How To Use A Fire Extinguisher (fire extinguisher training)

Summary

Captain Wayne Bennett emphasizes the importance of knowing how to use a fire extinguisher, a crucial skill to protect homes and families. He explains the simple steps to operate one: check the gauge, remember the PASS method (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep), and maintain a safe distance. He also provides specific advice for kitchen stove fires, cautioning against using water or flour, and suggests smothering the fire with a pan lid. For more in-depth knowledge, viewers are directed to the blog at disastersurvivalskills.com.

Takeaways

• 🚒 The U.S. fire department responds to a fire every 23 seconds, highlighting the prevalence of fires.
• 🔥 Eight people die daily in fires, most of which start in the home kitchen, emphasizing the importance of fire safety.
• 🧯 Captain Wayne Bennett introduces a survival tip on using a fire extinguisher, underscoring its life-saving potential.
• 🟢 Before using an extinguisher, check the gauge to ensure it's fully charged and ready for use.
• 🔠 The acronym PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) is a simple guide to using a fire extinguisher effectively.
• 💧 Never discharge a fire extinguisher closer than five feet to avoid boiling the burning product back onto you.
• 🔥 For kitchen stove fires, turn off the flame and use a pan lid to smother the fire, rather than using water or other flammable materials.
• 💥 Avoid using water on grease fires as it can cause a steam explosion, and never use flour to avoid a dust explosion.
• 🚫 Do not use a dish towel on a fire as it can add fuel to the flames.
• 📚 For more comprehensive information on fire extinguisher use, visit the blog at disastersurvivalskills.com.

Q & A

How frequently does a fire department respond to a fire in the U.S.?

A fire department responds to a fire every 23 seconds in the U.S.

How many people lose their lives to fires each day in the U.S.?

Eight people per day lose their lives to fires in the U.S.

Where do most fires start at home?

Most fires at home start in the kitchen.

What is the acronym used to remember the steps for using a fire extinguisher?

The acronym is PASS, which stands for Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, and Sweep side to side.

What should you check before using a fire extinguisher?

You should check the gauge and ensure the needle is in the green zone to confirm that the extinguisher is fully charged and ready for use.

At what distance should you begin discharging a fire extinguisher?

You should start discharging a fire extinguisher when you're eight to ten feet away from the fire.

What should you do if there is a kitchen stove fire?

First, turn off the flame. Then, grab a lid, hold it in front of you, and place it on top of the pan to smother the fire.

Why should you never use water on a grease fire?

Water should never be used on a grease fire because it can cause a steam explosion.

What happens if you use flour on a fire?

Using flour on a fire can cause a dust explosion.

What is the risk of using a dish towel to put out a fire?

Using a dish towel may add fuel to the fire if it doesn’t work to extinguish it.