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According to the National Fire Protection Association, 410,500 fires or 78 percent of all reported structure fires occurred in residential structures. In the right hands, a household fire extinguisher can save lives and protect property in case of a fire.

According to Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), a not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization, consumers also must remember that fire extinguishers are only one element of necessary fire safety precaution. In case of fire, individuals always should call the fire department, no matter how small the fire. It's also important to recognize when to leave the building and that fire extinguishers are to be used in aid of escape — not to fight the actual fire. Every household also needs working smoke alarms and a fire escape plan.

"Fire extinguishers for home use are not designed to fight large or spreading fires," said John Drengenberg, Consumer Affairs Manager at Underwriters Laboratories. "Rather than fighting the fire, your No. 1 priority is to get out safely."

HERE ARE SOME BASIC RULES FROM UL FOR USING HOUSEHOLD FIRE EXTINGUISHERS:

• If a fire breaks out, get everyone out of the house and then call the fire department.
• If the fire is not spreading and is confined to a small area, use the appropriate type of extinguisher for the fire.
• Know both your limits and the fire extinguisher's limits.
• Periodically inspect your extinguishers to determine if they need to be recharged or replaced. Extinguishers need to be recharged or replaced after each use — even if you haven't used the entire extinguishing agent. Check the gauge on the fire extinguisher for this information.
• When using a portable extinguisher, always keep your back to an unobstructed exit that is free from fire. This will allow a clear path to an exit.

"Every home should have at least one fire extinguisher, and you need the right type and you must know how and when to use it," said Drengenberg. "Most importantly, fire extinguishers should only be used to aid in leaving the residence in event of fire."

For proper fire extinguisher use, UL recommends practicing and remembering the word PASS:

• Pull the pin, hold the extinguisher away from you and release the locking mechanism
• Aim low, pointing the extinguisher at the base of the fire
• Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly
• Sweep the nozzle from side to side

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