Fires can be very scary and dangerous things. When you are faced with a fire you will need to immediately assess whether it is something that you can handle and try to extinguish yourself or if you need to get out and get help immediately. If the fire is more involved or serious you need to get to safety and call 911 right away. But if it is a small fire you can try to use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire before you it gets too big or out of control.
Understanding How to Use a Fire Extinguisher in Iowa
The first thing to know about fires it so always err on the side of caution and make sure that you and other people are safe. If the fire is small enough to use a fire extinguisher there are a few things to keep in mind.
* Are You in Danger? – if you are in danger do not try to put a fire out by yourself. Get to safety. Be reasonable about your capabilities. A fire extinguisher can be heavy for children, older adults to manage or people with disabilities to handle. Look for exits and make sure you have a plan to evacuate if you are unsuccessful in putting out the fire.
* Evaluate the Fire – only fires that are contained can be put out with a fire extinguisher in Iowa. Use common sense to determine which instances to use a fire extinguisher. It can help with small fires but not with large out of control blazes.
* Check What Type of Extinguisher You Have – there are five different classes of fire extinguishers available in Iowa. Class A is good for clothing, wood products, rubber, plastics, paper and normal combustible fires. Class B is good for grease, oil or gasoline. Class C is good for electronics. Class D is best for metals such as magnesium. Class K works on chemical agents, kitchen fires and fires started by grease or from cooking.
* Pull the Safety Pin – don’t forget this important step during the pressure of a fire.
Aim Low – always aim for the base or bottom of the fire. It is important to eliminate the source of the fire to get it put out. This will eliminate the source that is fueling the fire.
* Remember to P.A.S.S – this acronym stands for pull, aim, squeeze, sweep. This will help you remember the order in which you should do things when using a fire extinguisher to fight a small blaze.
