[Unit 2: Fire Safety]{.smallcaps}

In this unit you will learn about:

-   **Fire Chemistry:** How fire occurs, classes of fire, and choosing
    the correct means to extinguish each type of fire.

-   **Fire Hazards:** Potential fire hazards in the home and workplace,
    and fire prevention strategies.

-   **Fire Safety:** How to evaluate fires, assess firefighting
    resources, and determine a course of action.

-   **Portable Fire Extinguishers:** Types of portable fire
    extinguishers and how to operate them.

-   **Fire Suppression Safety:** How to decide if you should attempt to
    extinguish a fire; how to approach and extinguish a fire safely.

```{=html}
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```
-   **Teamwork:** The importance of working with a buddy.

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```
-   **Hazardous Materials:** How to identify potentially dangerous
    materials in storage or in transit.

# Unit 2: Fire Safety

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Introduction and Unit Overview                                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| During and immediately following a severe emergency, the first        |
| priorities of professional fire services are life safety and          |
| extinguishing *major* fires. They may be hampered by impassable       |
| roads, inadequate water supply, weather conditions, burning material, |
| and inadequate resources.                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| CERTs play a very important role in fire safety by:                   |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Extinguishing small fires]{.underline} before they become major  |
|     fires. This unit will provide training on how to use an           |
|     extinguisher to put out small fires---and how to recognize when a |
|     fire is too big to handle.                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Preventing additional fires by removing fuel                     |
|     sources]{.underline}. This unit will also describe how to ensure  |
|     that a fire, once extinguished, is completely extinguished.       |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Shutting off utilities]{.underline}, when necessary and safe to  |
|     do so.                                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   [Assisting with evacuations]{.underline} where necessary. When a  |
|     fire is beyond the ability of CERTs to extinguish, CERT members   |
|     need to protect life safety by evacuating the area, when          |
|     necessary, and establishing a perimeter.                          |
|                                                                       |
| CERT members help in fire-related emergencies when professional       |
| responders (paid and volunteer) are delayed. When responding, CERT    |
| members should keep in mind the following CERT standards:             |
|                                                                       |
| -   Rescuer safety is [always]{.underline} the number one priority.   |
|     Therefore, CERT members always:                                   |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Work with a buddy.                                                |
|                                                                       |
| -   Wear safety equipment (gloves, helmet , goggles, mask, and        |
|     boots).                                                           |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   The CERT goal is to do the greatest good for the greatest number. |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Introduction and Unit Overview (Continued)                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Unit Objectives                                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| At the end of this unit, you should be able to:                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   Explain the role that CERTs play in fire safety.                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   Identify and reduce potential fire risks in the home and          |
|     workplace.                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   Conduct a basic sizeup for a fire emergency.                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   Understand minimum safety precautions, including:                 |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Safety equipment.                                                 |
|                                                                       |
| -   Utility control.                                                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   Buddy system.                                                     |
|                                                                       |
| -   Back-up teams.                                                    |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Identify locations of hazardous materials in the community and    |
|     the home, and reduce the risk from hazardous materials in the     |
|     home.                                                             |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Extinguish small fires using a fire extinguisher.                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The unit will provide you with the knowledge and skills that you will |
| need to reduce or eliminate fire hazards and extinguish small fires.  |
| The areas that you will learn about include:                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   How fires start and what keeps them burning.                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   Identification of fire hazards in the home, neighborhood, and     |
|     workplace.                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   How to conduct a fire assessment, or sizeup.                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   The main firefighting resources that are available to CERTs and   |
|     how to use them.                                                  |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Procedures for safe firefighting.                                 |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Hazardous materials identification.                               |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Fire Chemistry                                                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image1.wmf){width="2.201388888888889in" height="2.10625in"} |
|                                                                       |
| ######## Fire Triangle                                                |
|                                                                       |
| **Fire Triangle: Fuel, oxygen, and heat create a chemical reaction,   |
| which causes fire.**                                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Fire requires three elements to exist:                                |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Heat]{.underline}: Heat is required to elevate the temperature   |
|     of a material to its ignition point.                              |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Fuel]{.underline}: The fuel for a fire may be a solid, liquid,   |
|     or gas. The type and quantity of the fuel will determine which    |
|     method should be used to extinguish the fire.                     |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Oxygen]{.underline}: Most fires will burn vigorously in any      |
|     atmosphere of at least 20 percent oxygen. Without oxygen, most    |
|     fuels could be heated until entirely vaporized, yet would not     |
|     burn.                                                             |
|                                                                       |
| Working together, these three elements, called the *fire triangle,*   |
| create a chemical exothermic reaction, which is fire.                 |
|                                                                       |
| If [any]{.underline} of these elements is missing or if any is taken  |
| away, fire will not occur or will extinguish.                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Fire Chemistry (Continued)                                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| To aid in extinguishing fires, fires are categorized into classes     |
| based on the type of fuel that is burning:                            |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Class A Fires]{.underline}: Ordinary combustibles such as paper, |
|     cloth, wood, rubber, and many plastics                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   [Class B Fires]{.underline}: Flammable liquids (e.g., oils,       |
|     gasoline) and combustible liquids (e.g., charcoal lighter fluid,  |
|     kerosene) (These fuels burn only at the surface because oxygen    |
|     cannot penetrate the depth of the fluid. Only the vapor burns     |
|     when ignited.)                                                    |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Class C Fires]{.underline}: Energized electrical equipment       |
|     (e.g., wiring, motors). (When the electricity is turned off, the  |
|     fire becomes a class A fire.)                                     |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Class D Fires]{.underline}: Combustible metals (e.g., aluminum,  |
|     magnesium, titanium)                                              |
|                                                                       |
| It is [extremely]{.underline} important to identify the type of fuel  |
| to select the correct method and agent for extinguishing the fire.    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Reducing Fire Hazards in the Home and Workplace                     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Part of CERT planning is to identify hazards in the area that would   |
| affect residents in an emergency. This information is important to    |
| professional responders when they arrive on scene.                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Each of us has some type of fire hazard in our home or workplace.     |
| Most of these hazards fall into three categories:                     |
|                                                                       |
| -   Electrical hazards                                                |
|                                                                       |
| -   Natural gas hazards                                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   Flammable or combustible liquids                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Homes and workplaces can and do have other hazards, including         |
| incompatible materials stored in close proximity to each other.       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Simple fire prevention measures will go far in reducing the           |
| likelihood of fires:                                                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   First, *locate* potential sources of ignition.                    |
|                                                                       |
| -   Then, do what you can to *reduce or eliminate* the hazards.       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Reducing Fire Hazards in the Home and Workplace (Continued)         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Electrical Hazards                                                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Simple ways that common electrical hazards can be reduced or          |
| eliminated include:                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| -   Avoid the "electrical octopus." Eliminate tangles of electrical   |
|     cords. Don't overload electrical outlets. Don't plug power strips |
|     into other power strips.                                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   Don't run electrical cords under carpets.                         |
|                                                                       |
| -   Replace broken or frayed cords immediately.                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   Maintain electrical appliances properly. Repair or replace        |
|     malfunctioning appliances.                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Emergencies sometimes occur despite our best efforts. In the event of |
| an electrical emergency:                                              |
|                                                                       |
| -   Know where the power shutoffs for electrical appliances are.      |
|                                                                       |
| -   Know where the power shutoff for circuit breakers or fuses is and |
|     how to shut off the power.                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   Unscrew individual fuses or switch off smaller breakers first,    |
|     then pull the main switch or breaker.                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   When turning the power back on, turn on the main switch or        |
|     breaker first, then screw in the fuses or switch on the smaller   |
|     breakers.                                                         |
|                                                                       |
| You should [not]{.underline} enter a flooded basement to shut off the |
| electrical supply, because water conducts electricity.                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Reducing Fire Hazards in the Home and Workplace (Continued)         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image2.wmf){width="5.998611111111111in"
height="2.7618055555555556in"}

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Natural Gas Hazards                                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Natural gas presents two types of hazards. It is an:                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Asphyxiant]{.underline} that robs the body of oxygen.            |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   [Explosive]{.underline} that can easily ignite.                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| To reduce natural gas hazards:                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   Install a natural gas detector near the furnace and hot water     |
|     tank. Test the detector monthly to ensure that it works.          |
|                                                                       |
| -   Locate and label the gas shutoff valve(s). (There may be multiple |
|     valves inside a home in addition to the main shutoff.) Know how   |
|     to shut off the gas and have the proper tool for shutting off the |
|     gas handy.                                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Reducing Fire Hazards in Home and Workplace (Continued)             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image3.wmf){width="3.861111111111111in"
height="3.0381944444444446in"}

**Natural Gas Meter With Shutoff**

**The gas meter shut-off diagram indicates the shut-off valve location
on the pipe that comes out of the ground. To turn off the valve, use a
wrench to turn the valve clockwise one-quarter turn.**

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Reducing Fire Hazards in Home and Workplace (Continued)             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| In a disaster, if you smell gas, leave the building                   |
| [immediately]{.underline}. If there is a fire, turn off the gas from  |
| outside the building. After service is turned off, however, [it can   |
| be restored only by a trained technician]{.underline}.                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| [Never]{.underline} enter the basement of a structure that is on fire |
| to turn off any utility.                                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Flammable Liquid Hazards                                           |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| To reduce hazards from flammable liquids:                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   Read labels to identify flammable products.                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   Store them properly, using the L.I.E.S. method covered in Unit 1. |
|                                                                       |
| You should extinguish a flammable liquid using a portable fire        |
| extinguisher rated for that class of fire. Ratings for portable       |
| extinguishers will be addressed later in this unit.                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # CERT Sizeup                                                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| CERT sizeup is a continual data-gathering process that will dictate   |
| whether to attempt fire suppression and planning for extinguishing    |
| the fire.                                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| CERT sizeup answers the questions:                                    |
|                                                                       |
| -   Can my buddy and I fight the fire safely?                         |
|                                                                       |
| -   Do my buddy and I have the right equipment?                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   Are there other hazards?                                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   Is the building structurally damaged?                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   Can my buddy and I escape?                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Sizeup is a continual nine-step process that enables first responders |
| to make decisions and respond appropriately in the areas of greatest  |
| need.                                                                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The nine steps in sizeup are:                                         |
|                                                                       |
| 1.  [Gather facts]{.underline}. What has happened? How many people    |
|     are involved (if you know)? What is the current situation?        |
|                                                                       |
| 2.  [Assess and communicate the damage]{.underline}. Take a lap       |
|     around the building. Try to determine what has happened, what is  |
|     happening now, and how bad things can really get.                 |
|                                                                       |
| 3.  [Consider probabilities]{.underline}. What is likely to happen?   |
|     What could happen through cascading events?                       |
|                                                                       |
| 4.  [Assess your own situation]{.underline}. Are you in immediate     |
|     danger? Have you been trained to handle the situation? Do you     |
|     have the equipment that you need?                                 |
|                                                                       |
| 5.  [Establish priorities]{.underline}. Are lives at risk? Can you    |
|     help? [Remember, life safety is the first priority]{.underline}!  |
|                                                                       |
| 6.  [Make decisions]{.underline}. Base your decisions on the answers  |
|     to Steps 1 through 3 and in accordance with the priorities that   |
|     you established.                                                  |
|                                                                       |
| 7.  [Develop plans of action]{.underline}. Develop a plan that will   |
|     help you accomplish your priorities. Simple plans may be verbal,  |
|     but more complex plans should always be written.                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # CERT Sizeup (Continued)                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 8.  [Take action]{.underline}. Execute your plan, documenting         |
|     deviations and status changes so that you can report the          |
|     situation accurately to first responders.                         |
|                                                                       |
| 9.  [Evaluate progress]{.underline}. At intervals, evaluate your      |
|     progress in accomplishing the objectives in the plan of action to |
|     determine what is working and what changes you may have to make   |
|     to stabilize the situation.                                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| # CERT Fire Sizeup Checklist             |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| ##                                       |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
|                                          | **Yes**     |   | **No**      |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| **Step 1: Gather Facts**                 |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| *Time*                                   |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| -   Does the time of day or week impact  | ****       | * |             |
|     fire suppression efforts?            |             | * |             |
|                                          |             |  |             |
| > How?                                   |             | * |             |
|                                          |             | * |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| *Weather*                                |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| -   Will weather conditions impact your  | ****       | * |             |
|     safety?                              |             | * |             |
|                                          |             |  |             |
| > If yes, how will your safety be        |             | * |             |
| > affected?                              |             | * |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| -   Will weather conditions affect the   | ****       | * |             |
|     fire situation?                      |             | * |             |
|                                          |             |  |             |
| > If yes, how will the fire situation be |             | * |             |
| > affected?                              |             | * |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| *Type Of Construction*                   |             |   |             |
|                                          |             |   |             |
| -   What type(s) of structure(s) are     |             |   |             |
|     involved?                            |             |   |             |
|                                          |             |   |             |
| -   What type(s) of construction are     |             |   |             |
|     involved?                            |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+

+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| # CERT Fire Sizeup Checklist             |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| ##                                       |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
|                                          | **Yes**     |   | **No**      |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| **Step 1: Gather Facts (Continued)**     |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| *Occupancy*                              |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| -   Are the structures occupied?         | ****       | * |             |
|                                          |             | * |             |
| > If yes, how many people are likely to  |             |  |             |
| > be affected?                           |             | * |             |
|                                          |             | * |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| -   Are there special considerations     | ****       | * |             |
|     (e.g. children, elderly)?            |             | * |             |
|                                          |             |  |             |
|                                          |             | * |             |
|                                          |             | * |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| *Hazards*                                |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| -   Are hazardous materials involved?    | ****       | * |             |
|                                          |             | * |             |
|                                          |             |  |             |
|                                          |             | * |             |
|                                          |             | * |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| -   Are any other types of hazards       | ****       | * |             |
|     likely to be involved?               |             | * |             |
|                                          |             |  |             |
| If yes, what other hazards?              |             | * |             |
|                                          |             | * |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| **Step 2: Assess and Communicate the     |             |   |             |
| Damage**                                 |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| -   Take a lap around the building. Is   | ****       | * |             |
|     the damage beyond the CERT team's    |             | * |             |
|     capability?                          |             |  |             |
|                                          |             | * |             |
|                                          |             | * |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| -   Are normal communication channels    | ****       | * |             |
|     functioning?                         |             | * |             |
|                                          |             |  |             |
|                                          |             | * |             |
|                                          |             | * |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+

+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| # CERT Fire Sizeup Checklist             |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| ##                                       |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
|                                          | **Yes**     | **No**      |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| ## Step 3: Consider Probabilities        |             |             |
|                                          |             |             |
| ##                                       |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| *Life Hazards*                           |             |             |
|                                          |             |             |
| ##                                       |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| -   Are there potentially                | ****       | ****       |
|     life-threatening hazards?            |             |             |
|                                          |             |             |
| ##                                       |             |             |
|                                          |             |             |
| > If yes, what are the hazards?          |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| *Path of Fire*                           |             |             |
|                                          |             |             |
| ##                                       |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| -   Does the fire's path jeopardize      | ****       | ****       |
|     other areas?                         |             |             |
|                                          |             |             |
| ##                                       |             |             |
|                                          |             |             |
| > If yes, what other areas may be        |             |             |
| > jeopardized?                           |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| *Additional Damage*                      |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| -   Is there a high potential for more   | ****       | ****       |
|     disaster activity that will impact   |             |             |
|     personal safety?                     |             |             |
|                                          |             |             |
| If yes, what are the known risks?        |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| ## Step 4: Assess Your Own Situation     |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| -   What resources are available with    |             |             |
|     which you can suppress the fire?     |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| -   What equipment is available?         |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+

+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| # CERT Fire Sizeup Checklist             |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| ##                                       |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
|                                          | **Yes**     |   | **No**      |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| ## Step 5: Establish Priorities          |             |   |             |
|                                          |             |   |             |
| ##                                       |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| -   Can fire suppression be *safely*     | ****       | * |             |
|     attempted by CERT members?           |             | * |             |
|                                          |             |  |             |
| ##                                       |             | * |             |
|                                          |             | * |             |
| > [If no, do *not* attempt               |             |   |             |
| > suppression]{.underline}.              |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| -   Are there other, more pressing needs | ****       | * |             |
|     at the moment?                       |             | * |             |
|                                          |             |  |             |
| ##                                       |             | * |             |
|                                          |             | * |             |
| If yes, list.                            |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| ## Step 6: Make Decisions                |             |   |             |
|                                          |             |   |             |
| ##                                       |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| -   Where will deployment of available   |             |   |             |
|     resources do the most good while     |             |   |             |
|     maintaining an adequate margin of    |             |   |             |
|     safety?                              |             |   |             |
|                                          |             |   |             |
| ##                                       |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| ## Step 7: Develop a Plan of Action      |             |   |             |
|                                          |             |   |             |
| ##                                       |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+
| -   Determine how personnel and other    |             |   |             |
|     resources should be deployed.        |             |   |             |
|                                          |             |   |             |
| ##                                       |             |   |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+---+-------------+

+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| # CERT Fire Sizeup Checklist             |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| ##                                       |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| ## Step 8: Take Action                   |             |             |
|                                          |             |             |
| ##                                       |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| -   Put the plans into effect.           |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| ## Step 9: Evaluate Progress             |             |             |
|                                          |             |             |
| ##                                       |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| -   Continually size up the situation to |             |             |
|     identify changes in the:             |             |             |
|                                          |             |             |
| ```{=html}                               |             |             |
| <!-- -->                                 |             |             |
| ```                                      |             |             |
| -   Scope of the problem.                |             |             |
|                                          |             |             |
| -   Safety risks.                        |             |             |
|                                          |             |             |
| -   Resource availability.               |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+
| -   Adjust strategies as required.       |             |             |
|                                          |             |             |
| ##                                       |             |             |
+------------------------------------------+-------------+-------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Firefighting Resources                                              |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The most common firefighting resources are:                           |
|                                                                       |
| -   Portable fire extinguishers.                                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   Interior wet standpipes.                                          |
|                                                                       |
| Portable fire extinguishers are invaluable for putting out small      |
| fires. A well-prepared home or workplace will have at least two       |
| portable fire extinguishers.                                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Interior wet standpipes are usually found in commercial and apartment |
| buildings and consist of 100 feet of 1½-inch jacketed hose with a     |
| ^3^/~8~-inch nozzle tip. They deliver up to 125 gallons of water per  |
| minute.                                                               |
|                                                                       |
| Always work in three-person teams when using an interior wet          |
| standpipe. One person handles the hose, another bleeds the air from   |
| the line, and the third person controls the water pressure.           |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| There are also other firefighting resources available that are less   |
| common:                                                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   In interior spaces, it is possible to *confine* a fire and        |
|     restrict the spread of smoke and heat by closing doors to rooms   |
|     and hallways.                                                     |
|                                                                       |
| -   Other *creative* resources may also be available:                 |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   Swimming pool or spa water and buckets                            |
|                                                                       |
| -   Sand or dirt and shovels                                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   A garden hose                                                     |
|                                                                       |
| The type of fuel that is burning will determine which resources to    |
| select to fight a fire.                                               |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Extinguisher Rating and Labeling                                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Portable fire extinguishers must be rated and approved by the State   |
| Fire Marshal and Underwriters Laboratories. They are rated according  |
| to their effectiveness on the different classes of fire. Their        |
| strength and capability must also be labeled by the manufacturer.     |
|                                                                       |
| The label contains vital information about the type(s) of fire for    |
| which the extinguisher is appropriate.                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Firefighting Resources (Continued)                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image4.wmf){width="3.2576388888888888in"                    |
| height="2.0722222222222224in"}                                        |
|                                                                       |
| ######## Manufacturer's Label                                         |
|                                                                       |
| **Sample Manufacturer's Label for a fire extinguisher, showing the    |
| Underwriters Laboratories Symbol at the top, the type and             |
| classification of fire extinguisher, testing procedures used, and     |
| serial number. At the bottom of the label is marine information,      |
| including the U.S. Coast Guard approval number.**                     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Types of Fire Extinguishers                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| There are four types of extinguishers:                                |
|                                                                       |
| -   Water                                                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   Dry chemical                                                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   Carbon dioxide                                                    |
|                                                                       |
| -   Specialized fire extinguishers                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------+-----------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| # Firefig |           |                       |                       |
| hting Res |           |                       |                       |
| ources (C |           |                       |                       |
| ontinued) |           |                       |                       |
+-----------+-----------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Fire      |           |                       |                       |
| Types,    |           |                       |                       |
| Exti      |           |                       |                       |
| nguishing |           |                       |                       |
| Agents,   |           |                       |                       |
| and       |           |                       |                       |
| Methods   |           |                       |                       |
+-----------+-----------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Fire Type |           | Extinguishing         |                       |
+-----------+-----------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
|           |           | Agent                 | Method                |
+-----------+-----------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Ordinary  |           | Water                 | Removes heat          |
| Solid     |           |                       |                       |
| Materials |           |                       |                       |
+-----------+-----------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
|           |           | Foam                  | Removes air and heat  |
+-----------+-----------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
|           |           | Dry chemical          | Breaks chain reaction |
+-----------+-----------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Flammable |           | Foam                  | Removes air           |
| Liquids   |           |                       |                       |
|           |           | CO~2~                 |                       |
+-----------+-----------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
|           |           | Dry chemical          | Breaks chain reaction |
+-----------+-----------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| E         |           | CO~2~                 | Removes air           |
| lectrical |           |                       |                       |
| Equipment |           |                       |                       |
+-----------+-----------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
|           |           | Dry chemical          | Breaks chain reaction |
+-----------+-----------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
| Co        |           | Special agents        | Usually remove air    |
| mbustible |           |                       |                       |
| Metals    |           |                       |                       |
+-----------+-----------+-----------------------+-----------------------+
|           |           |                       |                       |
+-----------+-----------+-----------------------+-----------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Firefighting Resources (Continued)                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Common characteristics of water extinguishers include:                |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Capacity]{.underline}. Standard size is 2½ gallons.              |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Range]{.underline}. Standard range is 30-40 feet.                |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Pressure]{.underline}. Standard pressure is 110 pounds per       |
|     square inch (psi).                                                |
|                                                                       |
| Use extreme caution when using a water extinguisher to ensure that    |
| the water, which is under pressure, does not scatter lightweight      |
| materials and spread the fire.                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| [Dry chemical extinguishers]{.underline} are also common.             |
|                                                                       |
| -   Dry chemical extinguishers have a sodium bicarbonate base and are |
|     effective on Class B and C fires.                                 |
|                                                                       |
| -   Multipurpose dry chemical extinguishers have a monoammonium       |
|     phosphate base and are effective for Class A, B, and C fires.     |
|                                                                       |
| Common characteristics of dry chemical extinguishers include:         |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Capacity]{.underline}. Approximately 10-20 seconds discharge     |
|     time.                                                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Range]{.underline}. Standard range is 8-12 feet.                 |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Pressure]{.underline}. Standard range is 175-250 psi.            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| While still in use, [carbon dioxide]{.underline} and [other           |
| specialized extinguishers]{.underline} are becoming less common.      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Deciding to Use a Fire Extinguisher                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| There are a series of questions that you should ask yourself before   |
| attempting to fight a fire with a fire extinguisher.                  |
|                                                                       |
| If you answer "NO" to [any]{.underline} of these questions, you       |
| should:                                                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   Leave the building [immediately]{.underline}.                     |
|                                                                       |
| -   Shut all doors as you leave to slow the spread of the fire.       |
|                                                                       |
| If all of the answers to the questions are "YES," you may attempt to  |
| extinguish the fire. Even if you answer "YES" to all of the           |
| questions, but feel unable to extinguish the fire, you should leave   |
| [immediately]{.underline}.                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # ![](media/image5.wmf){width="5.                                     |
| 05in" height="3.328472222222222in"}Firefighting Resources (Continued) |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
|                                                                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

Deciding to Use a Fire Extinguisher

**A flowchart illustrates the decisionmaking process for determining
whether to use a fire extinguisher. The decision is based on four
questions:**

-   **Can I escape quickly and safely if I attempt to extinguish the
    fire?**

-   **Do I have the right type of extinguisher?**

-   **Is the extinguisher large enough for the fire?**

-   **Is the area free from other dangers such as hazardous materials
    and fallen debris?**

**If the answer to [all]{.underline} questions are "yes," CERT members
should attempt to extinguish the fire. If the answer to
[any]{.underline} questions are "no," CERT members should leave.**

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Firefighting Resources (Continued)                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Operating a Fire Extinguisher                                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

![](media/image6.wmf){width="2.6in" height="2.7694444444444444in"}

######## Components of a Portable Fire Extinguisher

**Components of a portable fire extinguisher: Hose, carrying handle and
trigger, pressure gauge, cylinder**

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| A portable fire extinguisher includes four components:                |
|                                                                       |
| -   A pressure gauge                                                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   A hose                                                            |
|                                                                       |
| -   A cylinder                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   A carrying handle with trigger                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| You should always operate portable fire extinguishers in an upright   |
| position.                                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The acronym for operating a fire extinguisher is P.A.S.S.:            |
|                                                                       |
| -   [P]{.underline}ull                                                |
|                                                                       |
| -   [A]{.underline}im                                                 |
|                                                                       |
| -   [S]{.underline}queeze                                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   [S]{.underline}weep                                               |
|                                                                       |
| To ensure that the extinguisher is working properly, test it before   |
| approaching any fire.                                                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Firefighting Resources (Continued)                                  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image7.wmf){width="3.120138888888889in"                     |
| height="3.1368055555555556in"}                                        |
|                                                                       |
| ######## P.A.S.S                                                      |
|                                                                       |
| **PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep**                                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| [Aim at the base]{.underline} of the fire.                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Fire Suppression Safety                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| As a CERT member, fire suppression will be one of your roles.         |
| However, even following a disaster, your personal safety must be your |
| number one concern. You will be unable to help anyone if you are      |
| injured through careless sizeup or unsafe acts.                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Fire suppression safety rules include:                                |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Use safety equipment]{.underline} at all times. Wear your        |
|     helmet, goggles, dust mask, leather gloves, and heavy shoes. If   |
|     you are not equipped to protect your personal safety, [leave the  |
|     building]{.underline}.                                            |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Work with a buddy]{.underline}. Buddies serve an important       |
|     purpose. They protect your safety. Don't ever try to fight a fire |
|     alone.                                                            |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Have a backup team, whenever possible]{.underline}. A backup     |
|     team just makes good sense. A backup team can support your fire   |
|     suppression efforts and can provide help if you need it.          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Fire Suppression Safety (Continued)                                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   [Always have two ways to exit the fire area]{.underline}. Fires   |
|     spread much faster than you might think. Always have a backup     |
|     escape plan in case your main escape route becomes blocked.       |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   [Feel closed doors with the back of the hand]{.underline},        |
|     working from the bottom of the door up. Do [not]{.underline}      |
|     touch the door handle before feeling the door. If the door is     |
|     hot, there is fire behind it. Do not enter! Opening the door will |
|     feed additional oxygen to the fire.                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Confine the fire]{.underline}, whenever possible, by keeping     |
|     doors closed.                                                     |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Stay low to the ground]{.underline}. Smoke will naturally rise.  |
|     Keeping low to the ground will provide you with fresher air to    |
|     breathe.                                                          |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   [Maintain a safe distance]{.underline}. Remember the effective    |
|     range of your fire extinguisher. Don't get closer than necessary  |
|     to extinguish the fire.                                           |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Overhaul the fire]{.underline} to be sure that it is             |
|     extinguished---and stays extinguished.                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| What CERTs [don't]{.underline} do when suppressing fires is as        |
| important as what they should do. [DON'T]{.underline}:                |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Get too close]{.underline}. Stay near the outer range of your    |
|     extinguisher. If you feel the heat, you are too close.            |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Try to fight a fire alone]{.underline}. Remember that your first |
|     priority is your personal safety. Don't put yourself at risk.     |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Try to suppress large fires]{.underline}. Learn the capability   |
|     of your equipment, and do not try to suppress a fire that is      |
|     clearly too large for the equipment at hand (i.e., a fire that is |
|     larger than the combined ratings of available fire                |
|     extinguishers).                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| -   [Enter smoke-filled areas]{.underline}. Fire suppression in       |
|     smoke-filled areas requires equipment that CERTs don't have.      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Hazardous Materials                                                 |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Materials are considered hazardous if they have [any]{.underline} of  |
| these characteristics listed below:                                   |
|                                                                       |
| -   Corrode other materials.                                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   Explode or are easily ignited.                                    |
|                                                                       |
| -   React strongly with water.                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   Are unstable when exposed to heat or shock.                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   Are otherwise toxic to humans, animals, or the environment.       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to:                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   Explosives.                                                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   Flammable gases and liquids.                                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   Poisons and poisonous gases.                                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   Corrosives.                                                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   Nonflammable gases.                                               |
|                                                                       |
| -   Oxidizers.                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   Radioactive materials.                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Knowledge that hazardous materials are present helps to protect CERT  |
| members' safety and is also valuable sizeup information for first     |
| responders.                                                           |
|                                                                       |
| Hazardous materials pose an ever-present danger. They are stored in   |
| all types of locations and are transported by a variety of means.     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Hazardous Materials (Continued)                                     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Identifying Stored Hazardous Materials                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image8.wmf){width="2.4520833333333334in"                    |
| height="2.7618055555555556in"}                                        |
|                                                                       |
| **National Fire Protection Association 704 Diamond**                  |
|                                                                       |
| **The NFPA 704 Diamond, showing four quadrants and hazard ratings.**  |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| The figure above is an [NFPA 704 Diamond]{.underline}---the           |
| identification system instituted by the National Fire Protection      |
| Association. The NFPA 704 Diamond is a concise system for identifying |
| the hazards associated with specific materials. This placard would be |
| found on a [fixed facility]{.underline}.                              |
|                                                                       |
| The diamond is divided into four colored quadrants, each with a       |
| rating number inside of it, and that number indicates the degree of   |
| risk associated with the material. **The higher the number, the       |
| higher the risk!**                                                    |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ######## NFPA 704 Diamond                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| -   The [red]{.underline} quadrant describes the material's           |
|     [flammability]{.underline}.                                       |
|                                                                       |
| -   The [blue]{.underline} quadrant indicates [health                 |
|     hazard]{.underline}.                                              |
|                                                                       |
| -   The [yellow]{.underline} quadrant indicates                       |
|     [reactivity]{.underline}.                                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+------------+-------+------------------------------------------------+
| # H        |       |                                                |
| azardous M |       |                                                |
| aterials ( |       |                                                |
| Continued) |       |                                                |
+------------+-------+------------------------------------------------+
| #######    | **Rat | **Meaning**                                    |
| # Quadrant | ing** |                                                |
+------------+-------+------------------------------------------------+
| #####      | W     | Indicates a material that shows unusual        |
| #### White |       | reactivity with water (i.e., should never be   |
|            |       | mixed with water or have water sprayed on it). |
|            |       | [Magnesium metal]{.underline} is an example of |
|            |       | a material that is reactive to water.          |
+------------+-------+------------------------------------------------+
|            | OX    | Indicates a material that possesses oxidizing  |
|            |       | properties. [Ammonium nitrate]{.underline} is  |
|            |       | an example of a material with oxidizing        |
|            |       | properties.                                    |
+------------+-------+------------------------------------------------+
|            | ACID  | Indicates that the material is an acid.        |
+------------+-------+------------------------------------------------+
|            | ALK   | Indicates that the material is a base.         |
+------------+-------+------------------------------------------------+
|            | COR   | Indicates that the material is corrosive.      |
+------------+-------+------------------------------------------------+
|            | !     | Indicates that the material is radioactive.    |
|            | [](me |                                                |
|            | dia/i |                                                |
|            | mage9 |                                                |
|            | .wmf) |                                                |
|            | {widt |                                                |
|            | h="0. |                                                |
|            | 21944 |                                                |
|            | 44444 |                                                |
|            | 44444 |                                                |
|            | 44in" |                                                |
|            | h     |                                                |
|            | eight |                                                |
|            | ="0.2 |                                                |
|            | 19444 |                                                |
|            | 44444 |                                                |
|            | 44444 |                                                |
|            | 4in"} |                                                |
+------------+-------+------------------------------------------------+

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------
  The numbers within the 704 Diamond are for professional firefighter use
  only. [CERT members should consider these placards a "stop
  sign]{.underline}." The only action CERT members should take when a
  facility is placarded with an NFPA 704 Diamond is to evacuate persons
  who are downwind, as necessary, to an uphill and upwind location.

  -----------------------------------------------------------------------

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Hazardous Materials (Continued)                                     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Identifying Hazardous Materials in Transit                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image10.wmf){width="5.679861111111111in"                    |
| height="2.8777777777777778in"}                                        |
|                                                                       |
| **DOT Warning Placards**                                              |
|                                                                       |
| **DOT Warning Placards: 1.1, Explosives; 2, Flammable Gas; 2,         |
| Inhalation Hazard; 3, Flammable; 4, Flammable Solid; 4, Spontaneously |
| Combustible; 4, Dangerous When Wet; 5.1, Oxidizer; 6, Poison; 7,      |
| Radioactive; and 8, Corrosive.**                                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| These are Department of Transportation (DOT) placards. The DOT        |
| placard is one of three ways that hazardous materials are marked and  |
| identified while in transit. The other two ways are:                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   The United Nations (UN) system.                                   |
|                                                                       |
| -   The North American (NA) warning placards.                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| # Hazardous Materials (Continued) |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| ![](media/image11.                |                                   |
| wmf){width="6.4944444444444445in" |                                   |
| height="2.41875in"}               |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| **UN Placarding System**          | **NA Numbering System**           |
|                                   |                                   |
| **UN Placarding System, showing   | **NA Numbering System, showing    |
| the hazard class in the bottom    | the hazard class in the bottom    |
| corner, the chemical category in  | corner, the chemical number in a  |
| the center, and the hazard symbol | white box in the center, and the  |
| at the top of the placard.**      | hazard symbol at the top of the   |
|                                   | placard.**                        |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| These placards can be on any      |                                   |
| vehicle, not only tankers. Also:  |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   No placard is required for    |                                   |
|     less than 1,000 pounds of     |                                   |
|     many hazardous materials.     |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| ```{=html}                        |                                   |
| <!-- -->                          |                                   |
| ```                               |                                   |
| -   Certain hazardous materials   |                                   |
|     (e.g., anhydrous ammonia) are |                                   |
|     placarded as a nonflammable   |                                   |
|     gas for domestic transport    |                                   |
|     but as a flammable gas for    |                                   |
|     international transport.      |                                   |
|     ([Anhydrous ammonia is a      |                                   |
|     flammable gas!]{.underline})  |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| ```{=html}                        |                                   |
| <!-- -->                          |                                   |
| ```                               |                                   |
| -   Sometimes drivers forget to   |                                   |
|     change the placard when they  |                                   |
|     change their cargo. The group |                                   |
|     should use extreme caution    |                                   |
|     when approaching any vehicle  |                                   |
|     in an accident.               |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| The DOT placard color is also     |                                   |
| significant.                      |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+
| You should always err on the side |                                   |
| of safety. Do [not]{.underline}   |                                   |
| assume that, because there is no  |                                   |
| placard, no hazardous materials   |                                   |
| are present.                      |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Talk to drivers or train crew |                                   |
|     members whenever possible.    |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| -   Treat any unknown situation   |                                   |
|     as a hazardous materials      |                                   |
|     incident.                     |                                   |
|                                   |                                   |
| Like the NFPA 704 Diamond, the    |                                   |
| DOT, UN, and NA placards should   |                                   |
| be a "stop sign" for CERT         |                                   |
| members.                          |                                   |
+-----------------------------------+-----------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Exercise: Suppressing Small Fires                                   |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **[Purpose]{.underline}:** This exercise will provide you with        |
| experience in two key areas of fire suppression:                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   Using a portable fire extinguisher to suppress a small fire       |
|                                                                       |
| -   Applying teamwork to fire suppression                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| **[Instructions]{.underline}:** Follow the steps below to complete    |
| this exercise.                                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 1.  Work in two-person teams. Team members must communicate with each |
|     other. The emphasis is on safety and teamwork.                    |
|                                                                       |
| 2.  Each team member will be provided with a portable fire            |
|     extinguisher.                                                     |
|                                                                       |
| 3.  Team Member 1 should assume the "ready" position, with pin        |
|     pulled, extinguisher aimed and upright, approximately 20 to 25    |
|     feet from the fire.                                               |
|                                                                       |
| **When ready to approach the fire, Team Member 1 should say, "Ready." |
| Team Member 2 should repeat, "Ready."**                               |
|                                                                       |
| **As Team Member 1 begins to move forward, he or she should say,      |
| "Going in." Team Member 2 should repeat the command and stay within   |
| reach of Team Member 1.**                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ![](media/image12.wmf){width="3.2847222222222223in"                   |
| height="2.611111111111111in"}                                         |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| > **Both team members should walk toward the fire. Team Member 1      |
| > should watch the fire and Team Member 2 should stay close to Team   |
| > Member 1, keeping his or her hand on Team Member 1's shoulder. Team |
| > Member 2's job is to protect Team Member 1.**                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 4.  Team Member 1 should approach the fire from the windward side     |
|     (i.e., with the wind to the team member's back). When             |
|     approximately 10 feet from the fire, Team Member 1 should begin   |
|     to discharge the extinguisher at the base of the fire, continuing |
|     the approach until the range for the extinguisher is optimal.     |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Exercise: Suppressing Small Fires (Continued)                       |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| 5.  Team Member 1 should sweep the base of the fire until it is       |
|     extinguished.                                                     |
|                                                                       |
| > **When Team Member 1 is exiting the fire area, he or she should     |
| > say, "Backing out." Team Member 2 should repeat the command.        |
| > Participant 2 should guide Participant 1 from the area with his or  |
| > her hands as Participant 1 continues facing the fire and looking    |
| > for hazards.**                                                      |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| After the fire is extinguished, trade positions and repeat the        |
| exercise.                                                             |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Unit Summary                                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Effective fire suppression depends on an understanding of:            |
|                                                                       |
| -   The type of fuel involved.                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   The elements required for fire to exist.                          |
|                                                                       |
| -   The class of fire.                                                |
|                                                                       |
| -   The resources required and available to extinguish each type of   |
|     fire.                                                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   Effective fire suppression techniques.                            |
|                                                                       |
| Fire requires heat, fuel, and oxygen to exist.                        |
|                                                                       |
| There are four types, or classes, of fire:                            |
|                                                                       |
| -   Class A: Ordinary combustibles                                    |
|                                                                       |
| -   Class B: Flammable liquids                                        |
|                                                                       |
| -   Class C: Energized electrical equipment                           |
|                                                                       |
| -   Class D: Combustible metals                                       |
|                                                                       |
| It is extremely important to identify the class of fire to select the |
| proper extinguisher for the class.                                    |
|                                                                       |
| To help understand the types of materials, there are several methods  |
| of placarding hazardous materials being stored or transported,        |
| including NFPA, DOT, UN, and NA. When faced with accidents involving  |
| materials that are placarded as hazardous---or when the material is   |
| unknown---[keep away and call for professional help                   |
| immediately]{.underline}.                                             |
|                                                                       |
| Portable fire extinguishers are most frequently used for suppressing  |
| small fires. Their labels tell the types of fires for which they are  |
| effective and the area that they can suppress.                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+

+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| # Unit Summary (Continued)                                            |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| When using portable fire extinguishers, remember P.A.S.S.: Pull, Aim, |
| Squeeze, and Sweep.                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| When suppressing a fire, [always]{.underline} follow the safety rules |
| established for CERTs.                                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| ## Homework Assignment                                                |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+
| Before the next session, you should:                                  |
|                                                                       |
| -   Read and familiarize yourself with Unit 3: Emergency Medical      |
|     Operations---Part I in the Participant Manual.                    |
|                                                                       |
| -   Obtain and bring to the session:                                  |
|                                                                       |
| ```{=html}                                                            |
| <!-- -->                                                              |
| ```                                                                   |
| -   1 box of 4\" × 4\" bandages.                                      |
|                                                                       |
| -   1 triangular bandage.                                             |
|                                                                       |
| -   1 roll of roller gauze.                                           |
|                                                                       |
| -   1 medical mask.                                                   |
|                                                                       |
| -   1 pair of examination gloves.                                     |
|                                                                       |
| -   1 blanket.                                                        |
|                                                                       |
| Wear comfortable clothes for the next session because you will be     |
| practicing medical techniques.                                        |
+-----------------------------------------------------------------------+