Fire Extinguishers

Locations of fire extinguishers, alarm pull stations, and exit points are noted on floor plans located near exits, staircases and elevators in each building.

Fires are classified into the following

• Class A fires occur in ordinary materials, such as wood, paper, excelsior, rags and rubbish. Memory jogger: "Makes an Ash."
• Class B fires occur in the vapor-air mixture over the surface of flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, grease, paints and thinners. Memory jogger: "Burns Black smoke."
• Class C fires occur in or near energized electrical equipment. Memory jogger: "Caution electricity."
• Class D fires occur in combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, zirconium, lithium, potassium and sodium. Memory jogger: "Dirty metal fires."

Personal safety is the highest priority

• The building alarm should be activated prior to attempting to fight a fire.
• Never fight a fire unless you or someone else has called 9-911.
• If you doubt your ability to extinguish a fire, evacuate.
• If you need more than one extinguisher to put out a fire, evacuate.

Remember the acronym P.A.S.S.

• Pull the pin at the base of the handle.
• Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire.
• Squeeze and hold the handle (trigger). (Be prepared for the noise!)
• Sweep the nozzle across the base of the fire.

For hands on Fire Extinguisher Training, see the Training Website.