The Detroit Fire Department is focusing on the fundamentals of fire safety, emphasizing the importance of having a working knowledge of fire extinguishers in domestic settings. In a recent announcement, they emphasized the proper use and maintenance of fire extinguishers, noting that fires can double in size every half minute, making swift action essential.
A critical caveat for the untrained public is to use an extinguisher only when a fire is spotted early, especially when it's no larger than a trash can. The Detroit Fire Department insists on calling 911 before attempting to tackle the flame with an extinguisher.
To aid residents, the Detroit Fire Department has introduced the P.A.S.S. acronym as a simple guide to using a fire extinguisher: Pull the pin, Aim low at the base of the fire, Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly, and Sweep the nozzle side to side. "Understanding how to use a fire extinguisher before an emergency arises can make a significant difference in protecting your home and loved ones," Captain Edward Davis from DFD's Public Instruction Unit expressed in the announcement.
Keeping extinguishers in proper working order through consistent maintenance is also vital. These include monthly visual inspections, ensuring the extinguisher is within reach, that signs of damage or corrosion are absent, and that the pressure gauge shows an adequate pressure. Additionally, annual professional inspections should be carried out by a certified technician, and deeper internal examinations are mandated on a six-year cycle for stored-pressure dry chemical extinguishers.
Other safety tips include installing extinguishers in accessible areas, such as the kitchen, garage, and workshop. Training household members on the locations and use of extinguishers, and promptly replacing any used or damaged ones.
