Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher to effectively control a small fire in case of emergency may be the difference between saving lives and property or losing them. As part of 2013 Fire Prevention Week observances, firefighters attach-ed to the New Amsterdam Fire Department conducted a fire safety exercise at the New Amsterdam Market Square last week, where passersby were given instructions on the proper use of a fire extinguisher.
Through the use of the acronym ‘PASS,’ persons learnt the basics involved in using the fire extinguisher. The ‘P’ represents pulling the pin to allow the discharge of the extinguisher; ‘A’ is a reminder to aim at the base of the fire and not at the flames; ‘S’ is an indication that the user needs to squeeze the top handle or lever to release the contents of the extinguisher and then ‘S’ to sweep from side to side.
“We decided to do a live demonstration to show how effective a fire extinguisher is so that the public can
