Flames engulfed one American home every 85 seconds in 2010, according to the National Fire Protection Association.
Defense Logistics Agency Security and Emergency Services officials offered hands-on fire extinguisher training to help McNamara Headquarters Complex employees avoid falling victim to home fires during Fire Prevention Week Oct. 7-13.
Those who attended one of three hourlong training sessions offered Oct. 9, 10 and 11 learned to operate a fire extinguisher using the “PASS” method:
-- Pull the pin.
-- Aim at the base of the fire.
-- Squeeze the handle.
-- Sweep from side to side.
“The thing you’re trying to do when you’re fighting a fire is remove the oxygen from the fuel, which is why it’s imperative that you aim the nozzle at the base of the fire in order to cover the fuel as much as possible,” said Sean Griffin, emergency manager for the HQC.
Employees who haven’t learned how to properly use a fire extinguisher should evacuate a burning building rather than attempt to put out the fire.
“Otherwise, you’re putting yourself and others in danger,” Griffin said, adding that employees can contact him for fire extinguisher training.
The theme of this year’s Fire Prevention Week is “Have Two Ways Out” and focuses on the importance of fire escape planning and practice.
The NFPA reports that while most people believe they have at least six minutes before a home fire becomes life threatening, the time available for escape is often less. However, only three quarters of Americans have escape plans, and half of those haven’t actually been practiced.
“Whether you’re at work or home, you need to know two ways to get out of the building. That means sitting down with family and co-workers, especially those who are disabled or have special needs, and discussing the escape plan as well as practicing it,” Griffin said.
The NFPA recommends fire alarms be installed in every room and on every level of the home. All alarms should be interconnected, so when one sounds they all sound. Fire alarms should also be tested periodically and batteries replaced at least once a year.
The NFPA offers these tips for creating an escape plan:
-- Draw a map of your home showing all doors and windows. Discuss the plan with everyone in your home.
-- Know at least two ways out of every room if possible. Make sure all doors and windows leading outside open easily.
-- Have an outside meeting place, such as a tree or mailbox, a safe distance away from the home where everyone should meet.
-- Practice your home fire drill at night and during the day with everyone in your home at least twice a year.
-- Practice using different ways out.
-- Teach children how to escape on their own in case you can’t help them.
-- Close doors behind you as you leave. Never go back in for people or pets.
-- If you have to escape through smoke, get low and go under the smoke.
-- Call the fire department from outside the home.