FIGHTING FIRE WITH THE PASS METHOD

As we propagate safety and preparedness in the upcoming holiday season, it is important to know how to avoid fire incidents. Some of the preventive measures include regular inspection of electrical wires with the help of a licensed technician, creating an emergency exit plan with family members, practicing fire safety drills, installing smoke alarms and regularly changing their batteries, and most importantly, having a fire extinguisher and knowing how to use it.

Specific extinguishers are needed for different causes of fire. Thus, classifications were rated according to the combustibles concerned.

A: Light materials (paper, plastic, dried leaves and wood)

B: Flammable liquids (gas, paint, thinner and rugby)

C: Energized electrical equipment (appliances and electrical tools)

D: Combustible metals (sodium, zinc and potassium)

E: Cooking fuels and oils (cooking oil and LPG)

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) recommends installing either class ABC or ABCD extinguishers in homes, offices and schools.

To operate these devices, it’s best to remember the PASS METHOD:

P – Pull the pin from the handle.

A – Aim the hose at the base of the fire, not at the flames.

S – Squeeze the handle slowly to discharge the agent.

S – Sweep from side to side and stand back approximately 8 feet from the fire until expended.

Whenever there is fire, always keep a safe distance from it and escape the building as quickly and carefully as possible.

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