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How to Teach Children to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Fires in the home are common. Most home fires are minor and can be quickly contained with fire extinguishers. However, having fire extinguishers in your home is only helpful if everyone knows how to use them.

Things You'll Need

  • Fire extinguisher
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Instructions

  1. Explain the Importance of Fire Safety

    • 1

      Gather your children for a serious discussion of fire and fire safety.

    • 2

      Ask them whether they know how to put out a fire in the home. Knowing what misconceptions they have will allow you to target your conversation.

    • 3

      Show them where your fire extinguishers are stored.

    • 4

      Use a serious tone of voice when talking with them, as you want to reinforce the gravity of using a fire extinguisher.

    • 5

      Explain that a fire extinguisher should never be touched unless there is a fire. Discuss the consequences of needing a fire extinguisher, but finding it empty because someone played with it.

    • 6

      Give out firm punishments for any child found monkeying around with the fire extinguishers. Remind your children that they should tell you when they see someone playing with an extinguisher.

    Teach Your Children to PASS

    • 7

      Use the mnemonic PASS to teach children how to use a fire extinguisher. "P" stands for pull, "A" stands for aim, "S" stands for squeeze and the other "S" stands for sweep.

    • 8

      Tell the kids that after removing the fire extinguisher, it should always be held upright.

    • 9

      Say that once a firm grasp is established on the extinguisher, the plastic safety tie should be removed from the handle.

    • 10

      Inform them to aim the fire extinguisher nozzle at the base of the fire. Spraying the top of the flames is not as efficient.

    • 11

      Warn them to stand a safe distance from the fire when they first begin to use an extinguisher.

    • 12

      Tell the kids that they can then squeeze the handle to dispense the foam.

    • 13

      Instruct them to step slowly towards the fire and spray its base.

    • 14

      Ask that they sweep the extinguisher from side to side.

    • 15

      Teach your children to keep sweeping the base of the fire until they are absolutely sure the fire is completely out.

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