What If You Don’t Have A Fire Extinguisher?

Despite their importance, fire extinguishers are usually unavailable in homes compared to workplaces. You can easily find the extinguishers in closed commercial spaces like:

• Workplaces
• Restaurants
• Offices
• Factories

Yes, fire extinguishers can greatly help in case of a fire breakout, which is why maintenance is crucial. But what happens if you don’t have one? Let’s look at what you can do and what you should never do to put out a fire without a fire extinguisher.

What If You Don’t Have A Fire Extinguisher?

People can unexpectedly get stuck in a structure or house fire and may not have the right equipment to deal with it. Individuals need to know their options for survival. That is what we will cover in this article.

1. Get out as Quickly as Possible

The first thing to do if you get stuck in a fire is to leave the area as quickly and safely as you can. We also recommend dialing 911 for emergency services. The 911 service provides instructions necessary for extinguishing tiny or insignificant fires.

They can also help in case of campfires, and similar incidents, increasing chances of survival. However, you should never attempt to put out a fire if you don’t know how to.

Get out of the fire quickly and let the professionals handle it. Regardless of your confidence, tackling the fire on your own is not a smart move.

2. Cut off Oxygen Supply

You might have learned about the fire triangle in school, which lists the three factors that support a fire’s growth. You can cut out three fuels and put out the fire, i.e., heat, fuel, or oxygen. If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, you can still make it out of the fire safely.

The simplest way to cut off the oxygen supply if the fire is within an oven or microwave is by shutting the door tight. Stifled oxygen will hopefully put out the fire. Do not open the oven or microwave door on your own if you do not have a fire extinguisher. Remember, acting quickly will help, as 90% of fire deaths occur because the fire breakout becomes uncontrollable.

3. Use a Fire Blanket

If owning a fire extinguisher is out of the question, you need a fire blanket. The blanket is designed to control the fire from spreading out. Remember, a steady supply of oxygen is necessary for fires. Fire blankets are the next best thing if an extinguisher is unavailable.

Put the fire blanket carefully on top of the fire while holding it out in front of you like a shield. Don’t just throw it in the direction of fire. You need to cover the entire fire to make it work.

Bottom Line

Putting out a fire without a fire extinguisher can be challenging but is necessary for Chicago fire safety. Professionals recommend preparing yourself for all kinds of situations, including putting out a fire without an extinguisher. If you still need more assistance and guidance, feel free to reach out to Connected Fire.