Korea has been implementing various policy efforts to reduce fire accidents since declaring 'War on Fire' in 2010. Fire damage reduction policies were announced in 2013, followed by special measures for fire safety in 2018. However, there are still more than 40,000 fire incidents occurring annually, with over 2,000 casualties.
The first method to reduce fire accidents is prevention, and the second is taking prompt action. When a fire is first detected, it's crucial to suppress small fires to prevent them from spreading into larger ones and quickly contact the fire department. If the initial extinguishment is difficult, evacuate immediately. Fire extinguishers are used to suppress small fires, and the choice of fire extinguisher depends on the type of fire. For kitchen fires, use Class K extinguishers, Class A for general fires, Class B for flammable liquid fires, and Class C for electrical fires. When using a Class B fire extinguisher, never use water. These extinguishers, which are designed to suppress fires involving kitchen oils, paint oils, petroleum, and gasoline, primarily use dry powder or carbon dioxide.
Regardless of the type, the method of using fire extinguishers is the same. First, pull out the safety pin to release the handle, aim the nozzle at the fire, and then squeeze the handle to discharge the extinguishing agent. It's important to hold the entire extinguisher and remove the safety pin. Attempting to remove the safety pin while gripping the handle tightly won't work. When directing the nozzle, do so against the wind. Ensure that you distribute the extinguishing agent widely over the fire.
In daily life, ensure that fire extinguishers are not corroded. Check if the powder flows when turning it upside down or shaking it, and if the powder does not come down and has become clumpy, it may need replacement or inspection. Additionally, inspect the pressure gauge attached to the handle and ensure that the needle is in the central green zone. If it goes beyond the green area, it means the pressure is either too high or too low, indicating that the fire extinguisher may not function correctly.
In addition to knowing how to use fire extinguishers, regular fire prevention education and evacuation drills are essential. Fire incident response training includes various practices such as how to look at exit signs when the fire alarm goes off, why you should use the escape stairs, how to close fire doors, and how to cover your nose and mouth with a wet handkerchief or tissue in environments with heavy smoke. Practicing and training for fire incidents in daily life is the shortcut to maintaining a safe environment and ensuring everyone's safety.
