Fire Safety and Utility Controls
What questions should you ask before deciding to use a fire extinguisher?
Are there two ways to exit the area quickly and safely if I attempt to extinguish the fire? (The first priority for you and your buddy is safety.) Do I have the right type of extinguisher for the type of fire? Is the extinguisher large enough for the fire? Is the area free from other dangers, such as hazardous materials and falling debris? If you answer "NO" to any of these questions or if you have been unable to put out the fire in 5 seconds using the extinguisher, you should: Leave the building immediately. Shut all doors as you leave to slow the spread of the fire.
What are the two types of natural has hazards?
Asphyxiant and Explosive
What extinguishing agent should you use for a class C fire?
CO2; Dry chemical
When electricity is turned off after a class C fire, what type of fire does it become?
Class A fire
What is a class D Fire?
Combustible metals
What are other firefighting resources?
Confinement and "creative resources"
What is a sizeup?
Continual process that enables professional responders to make decisions and respond in the areas of greatest need
What is a class K Fire?
Cooking oils (vegetable oils, animal oils, fats)
What are the characteristics of a hazardous material?
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 through absorption, inhalation, injection, or ingestion
What are the three ways hazardous materials are marked and identified during transit?
Department of Transportation Placards; United Nations System; North American Warning Placards
What questions should a CERT member ask about fire safety?
Do my buddy and I have the right equipment? Are there other hazards? Is the building structurally damaged? Can my buddy and I escape? Can my buddy and I fight the fire safely?
What is the CERT goal?
Do the greatest good for the greatest number
What is a class C Fire?
Energized Electrical Equipment (wiring, motors)
What role do CERTs play in fire safety?
Extinguishing small fires; Preventing additional fires by removing fuel sources; Shutting off utilities; Assisting with evacuations
(True/False) It is okay to enter a flooded basement or standing water to shut off the electrical supply
False! - Water is a conductor of electricity
What is a class B Fire?
Flammable liquids (Oils, gasoline)
What extinguishing agent should you use for a class B fire?
Foam; CO2; Dry Chemical
What is an asphyxiant?
Hazardous natural gas that robs the body of oxygen
What elements does fire need to exist?
Heat, fuel, and oxygen (Called the fire triangle)
What does the code ALK mean?
Material is a base
What does the code ACID mean?
Material is an acid
What does the code COR mean?
Material is corrosive
(True/False) It is okay for a CERT to go into a building with a fire to evacuate peoples inside?
NO - you can evacuate people downwind, but cannot enter the building
What does NFPA stand for?
National Fire Protection Association
How many steps are in a CERT sizeup?
Nine 1. Gather facts 2. Assess and communicate the damage 3. Consider probabilities 4. Assess your own situation 5. Establish priorities 6. Make decisions 7. Develop a plan of action 8. Take action 9. Evaluate progress
What is a class A Fire?
Ordinary combustible like paper, cloth, wood, rubber, and many plastics
What is the acronym for using a fire extinguisher?
P.A.S.S. Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep
What are the most common firefighting resources?
Portable fire extinguishers; Interior wet standpipes
What is ALWAYS the number one priority?
Rescuer Safety - Always work with a buddy and wear PPE
Why is it important to identify the type of fuel for the fire?
So you know how to extinguish it
Who must rate and approve portable fire extinguishers?
State Fire Marshal and 'Underwriters Laboratories'
How do you know the risk associated with a material from a NFPA 704 diamond?
The higher the number has the highest risk. The red quadrant is the flammability. The blue quadrant is the health hazard. The yellow quadrant is the reactivity. The white quadrant indicates special precautions.
(True/False) Treat any unknown situation as a hazardous materials incident
True!
What are fires categorized into classes for?
Type of fuel that is burning
What are the four types of fire extinguishers?
Water; Dry Chemical; Carbon dioxide; Specialized fire extinguishers
What extinguishing agent should you use for a class A fire?
Water; Foam; Dry Chemical
What extinguishing agent should you use for a class K fire?
chemical
What is overhauling?
searching after a fire scene for hidden fire or sparks in an effort to prevent the fire from rekindling
What extinguishing agent should you use for a class D fire?
special agents (to remove air)