CERT Notes
Class Two=Fire Safety and Suppression
CERT GOAL: Do the greatest good for the greatest number
Rescuer safety is always #1 priority
Work with a buddy
Wear safety equipment (Gloves, helmet, goggles and boots)
Fire Triangle: Three elements for combustion: Heat, Oxygen and Fuel
If any one element is missing or taken away, Fire will not occur or will extinguish
Fire types: Class A: Ordinary combustibles (paper, cloth, wood)
Class B: Flammable liquids (Gasoline, oils)
Class C: Energized electrical equipment (when power is turned off, treat as Class A)
Class D: Combustible metals (Hardly ever will be seen)
Use ABC Extinguisher. This will contain most fires. Buy a 2A-40BC extinguisher:
2A=will extinguish a type A fire within a 10 x 10 area; 40BC = will extinguish type B or C fires within 40 sq. ft.
Note: NEVER USE SALT OR FLOUR on fires – THESE ITEMS IGNITE & BURN. You may use Baking Soda NOT baking powder.
Fire Hazards:
Electrical
Avoid electrical “octopus” (one plug, many extensions) and Don’t run cords under carpets.
Maintain appliances
Know where Electrical shut off is. (Power down small circuit breakers first, then main (reverse order to turn back on)
Natural Gas
Install Gas detector
Locate and label (paint RED), the manual gas shut off valve
Best: Install automatic shut off
Flammable liquids
Read labels to identify
Use L.I.E.S
Limit storage of Hazardous materials
Isolate dangerous materials to non-hazardous areas
Eliminate unnecessary hazardous materials (Old paint, etc.)
Separate incompatible materials (Bleach and Ammonia)
Portable Fire extinguishers are used most effectively for small fires
Use P.A.S.S technique
Pull pin
Aim at base of fire
Squeeze
Sweep along base of fire
CERT Fire Size-up Checklist for Fire suppression
Gather Facts (time of day, weather type of construction, occupancy, hazards)
Assess and communicate to partner
Consider possibilities (life hazards, fire path)
Assess your own situation (danger, equipment available)
Establish priorities (can you safely attempt fire suppression)
Make decisions
Develop a plan of action
Take action
Constantly evaluate progress
PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO RESEARCH AND BE PREPARED. YOU MAY SAVE YOUR OWN LIFE, THE LIVES OF LOVED ONES AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
Prepared and edited by Lynn Lustig and Bruce Remick