Having a fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it correctly are often two very different things.
During Fire Prevention month, thanks to members of the Marion Fire Department, middle school students are reminded of the importance of being prepared. They are taught to stay calm and fight a small fire BEFORE it gets out of control.
The experts tell us we should have at least one fire extinguisher somewhere in our home and know how to use it.
They told the students that it worked best if they aimed toward the base of the fire and use a sweeping motion to put the fire out.
The firefighters also explained the different classifications of fires and how to understand which types of fire you may have to deal with and the importance of making sure your fire extinguisher can get the job done.
Class A: These fires are fueled by solid combustibles like wood, paper, and cloth.
Class B: These fires are fueled by flammable liquids such as oil, petroleum, and gasoline.
Class C: These fires are started or fueled by faulty wiring, fuse boxes, and appliances.
Class K: These fires are started or fueled by cooking oils and greases, animal fats, and vegetable fats.
All fire extinguishers are labeled to indicate which types of fire they extinguish.
Thanks again to the Marion Fire Department for sharing this knowledge with our students!