P.A.S.S. the Fire Extinguisher

5/6/2022 (Permalink)

If you ever need fire restoration, please call SERVPRO of Iowa City/Coralville at 319-338-8550.

Hello Iowa City/Coralville!

Digital Marketing Support Coordinator Jacob is here to tell you about a simple way to remember how to use a fire extinguisher correctly. When I moved out of my parents, it was exciting but exhausting. I lived on the top floor of a 9-floor apartment building. Neighbors would set off the smoke alarm. 

When I started at SERVPRO, I quickly learned this simple acronym to make operating a fire extinguisher effective. Use the PASS method when you need to step into action at a moment's notice.

Pull the pin. When you pull the pin, it brakes the tamper seal.

Aim low; Fire spreads quickly because of how fast the temperature changes as the fire grows. Knowing where to aim the extinguisher will help extinguish the flames before they can grow. When directing the agent, you will want to aim at the source, which is the base of the fire. 

Squeeze the handle, which will send the extinguishing agent into the flames. What this does is deprive the fire of oxygen which helps it grow. 

Sweep from side to side; it is key not to release the handle when eliminating the spread. Only release the handle when the fire is visible put-out.

I hope this helps you as it has become easy to remember as Stop. Drop. And Roll. I hope you will only remember the acronym and not use it. If your home or apartment has an active fire, we want you to try and extinguish it, but if it grows out of control, please seek shelter.