It is essential to have a fire extinguisher in your home. Fire extinguishers can be used to quickly put out a small fire before it becomes larger.

Here are some tips for safe usage of fire extinguishers:

• Only use a fire extinguisher after everyone else has evacuated the home and 911 has been called;
• Only use a fire extinguisher when a fire is confined to a small area, such as a pot or wastebasket;
• Never use a fire extinguisher in a room that is already filled with smoke;
• Practice the P.A.S.S. technique (Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze the handle and Sweep side-to-side). Back away from an extinguished fire in case of flare up;
• For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher. Ensure that the extinguisher is large enough to put out a small fire, but not so heavy as to be difficult to handle;
• Choose a fire extinguisher that carries the label of an independent testing laboratory such as ULC or UL;
• Read the instructions that come with the fire extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation; and

• Mount your fire extinguisher on a wall near an escape route.

Follow the department on Twitter @MAE_GovNL  for holiday safety tips.

The Department of Municipal Affairs and Environment wishes all residents a safe and happy holiday season.

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Media contact
Lynn Robinson
Municipal Affairs and Environment
709-729-5449, 691-9466
lynnrobinson@gov.nl.ca