How to Use a Fire Extinguisher — The PASS Method

Most people have a fire extinguisher somewhere at home but have never practiced using one. In a small fire, those first 30 seconds are decisive — and fumbling with an unfamiliar device wastes all of them. Remember PASS: P — Pull the pin, A — Aim at the base of the fire (not the flames), S — Squeeze the handle, S — Sweep side to side.

Stand 6-8 feet away, keep your back to an exit so you can escape if the fire grows, and never fight a fire that is larger than you or spreading to walls and ceiling. If one extinguisher does not put it out, leave immediately and call the fire department. Check your extinguisher's pressure gauge once a year — an expired or empty extinguisher is worse than none, because it gives you false confidence.