Content

• Steps
• Tips
• Warnings

In life, anything can happen, as an option - a collision with a fire or a minor fire.And here at least theoretical knowledge of how to extinguish a fire and use a fire extinguisher in particular will come in handy.

Steps

1. 1 Call the professionals first. Call the rescue service and call the firefighters, because even an insignificant source of fire can take on catastrophic proportions and it is not a fact that you will be able to extinguish it.
   • Call 112 and briefly but clearly describe the situation. The fire brigade should be sent to you as soon as possible.
   • Make sure all people and animals are out of the burning building if possible. Keep children away from extinguishing.
   • Be prepared to face human panic. Try to keep your composure and get everyone to a safe area.
2. 2 Take care of your own safety before extinguishing. There are several important things to consider first:
   • Make sure you are physically able to use a fire extinguisher. Standard fire extinguishers can weigh up to 20 kg and you may not have the strength to transport it. Also, get ready to hold the fire extinguisher gate, for the pressure will be high.
   • Mark the path to the exit and make sure it is clear. If you cannot cope with the fire, you need to evacuate immediately.
   • If you suspect that you will be exposed to toxic gas while extinguishing, and you do not have protection - leave this matter to the specialists.
   • If you have 2 or more fire extinguishers available, ask an adult for help. The two are more likely to deal with the fire.
   • Remember that human life is much more important than things and do not risk your life and the lives of others in vain.
3. 3 Localize the source of the fire. Only small fires can be extinguished with a fire extinguisher due to its limited capacity. For example, a burning trash can, saucepan, or TV.
   • If the fire has spread over a large area, you may simply not have enough small capacity of the fire extinguisher.
   • Assess the situation in advance. It makes no sense to extinguish a burning piece of paper with a fire extinguisher, like the whole room. If the fire has spread over a large area, do not try to do anything on your own, but evacuate and wait for rescuers. Reckless heroism can play a cruel joke on you, and you can simply choke on the smoke and carbon monoxide, without having time to extinguish anything.
4. 4 Make sure the fire extinguisher is designed for the specific type of fire. Fire extinguishers are air-foam, water, carbon dioxide and powder.
   • Powder fire extinguishers are used to extinguish fires of class A (solid substances), B (liquid substances), C (gaseous substances) and electrical appliances with voltages up to 1000V. Fire extinguishers are not suitable for materials that can burn without air access (alkali metals, etc.).
   • Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers are used, in general, in the same cases as powder ones, as well as for extinguishing electrical appliances with a voltage of not more than 10 kV. The advantage of this type of fire extinguisher is that after extinguishing, no traces of dirt remain after carbon dioxide (unlike powder).
   • Air-foam fire extinguishers are used against fires of class A and B (wood, paint, fuels and lubricants); use against devices under voltage and alkali metals is not allowed.
   • Water-based fire extinguishers are mainly used to combat the ignition of plant forest materials (forest fires, for example). It is forbidden to use for extinguishing devices under voltage!
   • Check the markings on the fire extinguisher to understand if it can be used in a particular case.
5. 5 Preparing a fire extinguisher. Usually a metal ring (a kind of check) or a similar device is used as a fuse. Remove the blocker to allow extinguishing.
   • The fire extinguisher may have graphic or text instructions for using the device. Do not be too lazy to familiarize yourself with it, it is better - in advance.
6. 6 Aim at the source of the fire. It is necessary to extinguish what has become a source of fire - a tire, a log or a paper basket. Cut off the fire from its source.
7. 7 Move. Do not freeze in one position - move the fire extinguisher sleeve to cover the fire as quickly as possible.
8. 8 Time. Standard fire extinguishers have a limited supply of reagent - on average, the contents are enough for 10 seconds to extinguish.
   • Use it wisely without wasting it.
   • If you see that you do not have enough extinguishing agent, evacuate.
9. 9 Do not leave the extinguished area unattended to avoid re-ignition, make sure there is no threat. If everything is in order, and you called the rescuers first, wait for their arrival and start cleaning.
10. 10 Recharge the cylinder. Or get a new fire extinguisher. Even if you used only half of the volume, next time the remainder may not be enough.
    • The fire extinguisher must be freely accessible - mounted either on the wall, or in a fire cabinet, or on the floor.
    • It's a good idea to have a fire extinguisher in your kitchen.
    • Also, fire extinguishers should be in transport - be it a car, plane or boat.
    • Make sure your loved ones know how to handle a fire extinguisher.

Tips

• Cut off the fire from the fuel, close off the air.
• Have a fire escape plan.
• Install smoke detectors at home.
• Check the condition of the fire extinguisher - the pressure level should be normal.
• Powder extinguishers must be shaken periodically to prevent caking of the reagent.
• If you called the firefighters, but you managed to eliminate the fire on your own, call the rescue service again and report it. This will save you from being responsible for a false call, and firefighters will be able to respond to another call.
• If possible, use a respirator when extinguishing, in extreme cases, a wet rag or sleeve to inhale less smoke.
• If your clothes catch fire, remove them if possible, or lie on the floor and roll to bring down the flame.

Warnings

• The safest type of fire extinguisher for equipment and electrical appliances is carbon dioxide. Powder, water-based and air-foam can damage the equipment.
• Be careful when using a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher - the hose will be very cold.
• Always match the class of extinguisher and fire. For example, putting out a live electric kettle or burning oil with water is the most stupid idea.