The extinguisher must be within easy reach and in working order, fully charged. The extinguisher must be kept near the exit, so the user has an escape route that will not be blocked by fire. The extinguisher must match the type of fire you are fighting. Extinguishers that contain water are unsuitable for use on grease or electrical fires. The extinguisher must be large enough to put out the fire.
Most portable extinguishers discharge completely in as few as eight seconds.
A Fire Make sure everyone has left, or is leaving the building. Make sure the fire department has been called. CALL 911 Make sure the fire is confined to a small area and is not spreading. Make sure you have an unobstructed escape route to which the fire will not spread. Be sure you have read the instructions and that you know how to use the extinguisher.