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Residents get tips on how to use fire extinguishers

Ras Al Khaimah - The public need to be well aware of the type of fires and the right extinguisher, if they come across any blaze, according to the department.

The civil defence department here has produced a special video to develop public awareness on the types of fire extinguishers.
The public need to be well aware of the type of fires and the right extinguisher, if they come across any blaze, according to the department. 
"Having the right information and training on fire extinguishing helps put out flames quickly and efficiently, and accordingly reduce human casualties and financial loses."
In the civil defence awareness video, the public are told about two specified fire extinguishers. The first is dry chemical extinguisher which is almost used for all types of fires. The second is the carbon dioxide extinguisher, which is used in extinguishing specific fires.
To properly use a fire extinguisher, one should first hold the fire extinguisher from the handle.
"The safety pin should then be pulled out or removed; following which one should carefully keep a safe distance and stand in the direction of the wind. One shall then direct the hose nozzle towards the flame base not the top so as not to spread the flame or agitate the fire, the department officials stressed. "Finally the fire extinguisher handle should be squeezed firmly."
Mohammed Al Juhari, an Egyptian contractor, said he provides training to all his staff workers on the right way of putting out the fire.
"This can be life-saving and if done properly can reduce human and financial losses." 
Mustafa Nasser, an Arabic teacher, said the civil defence would better provide training on malls and crowded places so that people will be more practically able to put out a fire. "The video is so informative."
Recently, the emirate of Ras Al Khaimah witnessed a number of fires in cars, trucks, wastes, apartments, and makeshift caravans. The public are urged to avoid dumping inflammable stuff and regularly maintain their vehicles and devices to stop any possible leakage.
All drivers and road users should give priority to emergency vehicles, including civil defence firefighters, they urged. "Time is so critical in so many cases."
ahmedshaaban@khaleejtimes.com