In the event of a blaze, a simple device often overlooked could mean the difference between containment and catastrophe: a portable fire extinguisher. As recently outlined by the City of Brookfield WI Fire Department in a Facebook post, residents are reminded that while fire extinguishers can save lives and property, they come with limitations.
Highlighted by the City of Brookfield WI Fire Department, portable extinguishers are most effective when the fire is small, such as one contained within a wastebasket, and is not expanding. Essential to successful use, residents must ensure that everyone has exited the building and the fire department is contacted or in the process of being called. Moreover, the presence of smoke should not overrun the room engaged by fire. With the frantic pace at which fire spreads, the department emphasizes, the #1 priority for residents is to ensure a safe escape.
To educate the public on the proper use of fire extinguishers, the City of Brookfield WI Fire Department invokes the mnemonic "PASS": Pull the pin, Aim low, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep the nozzle side-to-side. These instructions, designed to be easy to recall during an emergency, were detailed in the City of Brookfield WI Fire Department's post, as part of their commitment to educating the community on fire safety.
The City of Brookfield WI Fire Department reminds residents that fire safety starts with a full home escape plan and working smoke alarms. The department also encourages people to learn more by visiting the National Fire Protection Association’s website.
