A fire extinguisher is a portable device designed to put out small fires and prevent them from spreading. Most homes, office buildings and other commercial properties have them in place for emergency situations. Knowing how to use them properly can help save lives and property, so it’s important that able-bodied individuals are familiar with the operating instructions.

First, be aware that all types of fire extinguishers are not created equal. Some are rated for specific types of fires, and some can even damage certain types of equipment or materials. When choosing a type, choose one that is labeled as multi-purpose to cover the most common household and office fires. There are also specialty models available for things like electrical fires or deep-seated kitchen blazes.

Next, keep your fire extinguisher in a clear area where it will be easily accessible during an emergency. It should be mounted on a wall in the path of an exit, away from heat sources and not blocked by furniture or other items. It should also be free of debris, dirt and dust that may affect its ability to function properly during an emergency.

Finally, be sure the extinguisher is ready to use by regularly inspecting it for damage and confirming its pressure is still at a safe level. Check the pressure gauge weekly if possible, and at least every month. It is essential to recharge or replace a fire extinguisher after using it, regardless of whether the fire was completely extinguished or only partially used.

To operate a fire extinguisher, pull the pin located on the top of the unit, which opens a valve that allows the user to discharge its contents. Then aim low, pointing the nozzle at the base of the fire rather than the flames. Squeeze the handle to release the agent and sweep from side to side across the fire’s base until it appears to be out. Then, watch the area to ensure it doesn’t re-ignite.

Lastly, evacuate the area immediately after using an extinguisher to avoid exposing yourself to further fire or smoke. Then call local fire department services to check the scene and ensure that the fire is fully extinguished. They can also advise on precautionary steps that should be taken to prevent the fire from reigniting and help you determine any other causes of the fire.

The fire extinguisher is an indispensable tool that can help people escape from a dangerous situation, and it is crucial that building occupants know how to use them properly. By following these simple tips, it is possible to effectively fight fires and minimize the extent of their impact. The key is to practice regularly so that the instructions become second-nature during a real fire emergency.

Fire stations, or firehouses, are where firefighters live and work while they’re off on calls. They have living areas and rooms where they wait for a callout, usually with an alarm system to let them know if there’s a fire or another emergency in their district. They’ll also have an area for their vehicles, and most of them have garages to store at least one fire engine.

Some cities, such as New York City, have multiple fire stations within a single district. The reason for this is that the city has a large area to cover and it costs a lot of money to keep several types of fire trucks in service. So, to save money, the fire department has centralized dispatching and assigns districts to stations to ensure coverage of the city’s five boroughs. These districts are then subdivided into four to seven battalions and each is headed by a deputy chief, which is one of the highest positions in the fire department.

The five boroughs are also divided into firefighting divisions and each is led by a battalion chief, which is the second highest position in the fire department. There are four to seven firefighting companies that make up each division, which means there are between eight and 21 firefighting departments in all. The company leaders are called lieutenants and they are ranked from lieutenant to captain.

Besides the main companies, some departments also have specialized rescue companies and bomb squads. These companies are tasked with responding to and dealing with technical fire rescue incidents that fall outside the scope of a regular engine or ladder company’s duties. These include building collapse rescues, confined space rescues, trench/excavation rescues, machinery and vehicle extrications/rescues and water rescues.

A fire company is also tasked with responding to non-fire emergencies, such as accidents and medical aid calls. This includes providing first aid to people injured in an accident, as well as assisting ambulances to the scene of an emergency. In addition, the fire department also responds to alarms that come in from a variety of sources: telephone; fire alarm boxes; “Class 3” alarms (which are for more serious incidents); and verbal alarms.

There are 197 Engine Companies and 107 Ladder Companies in the FDNY, and all of them have their own individual responsibilities and tools for their jobs. To get a closer look at what they use to do their job, Manhattan Sideways got exclusive access to visit Engine 16 and Ladder 7 in Flatbush, Brooklyn. We spent a full twenty-four hours with the men and women of this busy firehouse, following them on virtually every run they made. We even got to ride in the firetruck! Check out the video above to learn more about this historic firehouse. We’re very grateful to the members of the FDNY who allowed us to spend time with them and share their work. They’re truly the heroes of this city. Thanks again to everyone at Firehouse 17!