Olympia- As we prepare to honor veterans this week on Veterans Day, the State Fire Marshal’s Office encourages all residents to remember the sacrifices made by our service members and take time to review the importance of fire safety. Veterans demonstrate courage and preparedness in the face of danger. In the spirit of their commitment, we encourage everyone to take proactive steps to ensure their homes and workplaces are equipped with portable fire extinguishers in the event a fire occurs.
Fire Extinguisher Basics:
- Ensure you have the proper class of extinguisher for your environment. You can visit USFA.fema.gov for a breakdown of the five primary classes. Ensure fire extinguishers are listed by a nationally recognized testing laboratory and marked with listing. Examples include “UL Listed” or “ULC Listed” stamped on the fire extinguisher.
- Place extinguishers in easily accessible locations, especially in kitchens, vehicles, and garages. Make sure everyone in your household or workplace knows where they are located.
- Regularly check your fire extinguishers to ensure they are charged and in working condition. Look for any visible signs of damage or corrosion.
- Take the time to learn how to use a fire extinguisher effectively. The acronym PASS (Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) serves as a handy guide for proper usage.
- Install smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms in every room and outside sleeping areas.
A Tribute to Our Veterans:
Let us honor those who have served by embodying the principles of preparedness and resilience they demonstrate. Just as our veterans have responded to crises, we too can equip ourselves with the tools and knowledge to prevent and respond to fire emergencies.
For more information, contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office at (360) 596-3904.
###