Each year in mid-October, the U.S. and Canada both observe National Fire Prevention Week with a goal of recognizing the dangers posed by fires and emphasizing the importance of fire prevention and preparation. Here’s some information on something we have seen in movies or on TV, but rarely talk about in our everyday lives: how and when to use a fire extinguisher.

我们都认识挂在办公室、工地和其他公共建筑周围不同地方墙上的标志性红色容器、灭火器。但是你知道怎么用，什么时候用吗？你是如何决定用这些灭火器中的一个灭火的，还是什么时候拉响火警警报，离开大楼等待救援？

First, you should always pull the fire alarm to alert others to the presence of a fire and call 911. Also, do not try to use an extinguisher if you have not been properly trained. The goal for anyone dealing with a fire is to get yourself and others out safely. Help anyone you can without putting yourself in danger and exit the building.

如果发生火灾

如果您接受过灭火器使用培训，但发生火灾，请记住：

1.)Verify that the fire is small, contained and not spreading rapidly. Fires can easily double in size in less than 3 minutes.

2.)确认你有合适的灭火器来灭火。这取决于火的性质。不同的燃料会产生不同的火灾，需要不同类型的灭火器，但某些类型的灭火剂可用于多种火灾。灭火器上有一个标签，标明可以使用哪种类型的灭火器。

• Class Afires involve paper, plastic, wood, cloth or other “ordinary combustibles”
• Class B火灾是易燃液体中的火灾，如汽油、油脂、油漆、油或油漆。B类火灾不包括涉及食用油和油脂的火灾。
• Class Cfires involve electrical equipment such as appliances, fuse boxes, wiring or energized electrical equipment.

3.)如果你不能扑灭或控制火势，检查火势是否会阻挡你的出口。

使用灭火器

说到火，每一秒都很重要。如果你对自己的灭火能力有丝毫怀疑，请立即撤离。要使用灭火器，请记住大多数灭火器使用P.a.S.S.系统操作：

• P拔出把手上的销
• Aim hose or nozzle at the base of the fire from about 5-8’ away with a usable exit at your back
• Squeeze the handle/trigger
• Sweep slowly from side to side at the base of the fire until it is out. Watch the area. If the fire re-ignites, aim, squeeze and sweep again.

安全, when understood and practiced correctly, is不an accident. Safety is a plan with built-in procedures to avoid or address accidents quickly with a goal of protecting our greatest resource, our people.