The Fire Extinguisher

One of the most important preventive measures against fire is having an extinguisher and knowing how to use it.As we propagate safety and preparedness in the upcoming holiday season, it is important to know how to avoid fire incidents. Some of the preventive measures include regular inspection of electrical wires with the help of a licensed technician, creating an emergency exit plan with family members, practicing fire safety drills, installing smoke alarms and regularly changing their batteries, and most importantly, having a fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it.Specific extinguishers are needed for different causes of fire. Thus, classifications were rated according to the combustibles concerned.Aand Light materials (paper, plastic, dried leaves and wood)Band Flammable liquids (gas, paint, thinner and rugby)Cand Energized electrical equipment (appliances and electrical tools)Dand Combustible metals (sodium, zinc and potassium)Eand Cooking fuels and oils (cooking oil and LPG)The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recommends installing either class ABC or ABCD extinguishers in homes, offices and schools.To operate these devices, it’s best to remember the PASS METHODandP– Pull the pin from the handle.A– Aim the hose at the base of the fire, not at the flames.S– Squeeze the handle slowly to discharge the agent.S– Sweep from side to side and stand back approximately 8 feet from the fire until expended.Whenever there is fire, always keep a safe distance from it and escape the building as quickly and carefully as possible 2_PanahonTV_fireprotection and//www.panahon.tv/blog/wp-content/uploads/2014/03/2_PanahonTV_fireprotectio... Fire incidents often occur in the most unexpected times, putting both lives and property at risk.Majority of the fire incidents in the country are caused by electrical malfunctions, leaks in LPG tanks, improper disposal of cigarettes, and misuse of matches and lighters. More common causes include forgetting to turn off stoves and putting out gas lamps and lit candles.Learning how to extinguish fire on a person’s clothes or hair without firefighting equipment is an important component of fire safety.Basic steps to remember when caught on fireandSTOP – Do not run and do not panic.DROP – Drop to the ground and lie down flat with legs out straight. Cover eyes and mouth with hands to avoid facial injury.ROLL – Roll around until the flames are out. A rug may also be used to smother the fire by rolling it around the body.After successfully doing the method, stay away from fire, quickly exit the burning building, and seek medical help.