Everyone knows to have an evacuation plan, stop, drop, and roll, and have a fire extinguisher on hand.
When teaching fire safety, it’s sometimes easier to begin with what you shouldn’t do rather than what you should do. After all, most people grasp the foundational principles of fire protection. Everyone knows to have an evacuation plan, stop, drop, and roll, and have a fire extinguisher on hand. However, people make mistakes that end up worsening things. Continue reading for more information.
Avoid Blowing on the Flames
You may think this is common sense, but it is still a mistake people often need to correct. Many people believe that blowing on a fire will eliminate it. However, this approach only applies to small flames, such as candles. When you blow on a candle, you separate the fire from its fuel source—the wick. Avoid blowing if you notice the beginnings of a fire in your home. Doing so will only worsen the flames, making them hotter and hungrier.
Using Water Doesn’t Work
It is common knowledge that water extinguishes fire, but this isn’t true for all fires. For example, consider both common house fires: grease and electrical fires. Water and oil don’t mix too well together. When the water hits the flaming grease, it will explode as they touch one another. All this does is send flaming bits of oil further throughout your kitchen. Also, consider how water conducts electricity regarding electrical fires. Using water to put out an electrical fire is one of the worst mistakes you can make because it can potentially lead to electrocution. You are better off with a functioning fire extinguisher!
Improperly Using the Fire Extinguisher
If your home has a fire extinguisher, that is great! Every home should have at least one. However, owning one is only half the battle. You also have to know how to use it properly. In case you don’t know how to do so already, ensure to pull the pin before trying to use it. Otherwise, it won’t work.
The second mistake most people make too often is where they aim the extinguisher. Aiming the fire extinguisher at the flames is less effective than aiming at the base of them. You want to target whatever is burning with the foam, not the fire itself.
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