Unit 6 Caaaaard

CERT Role

Support fire safety by extinguishing small fires.

Key Rule

Evacuate if fire cannot be controlled in 5 seconds.

Four Main Actions

Extinguish fires, prevent additional fires, shut off utilities, assist evacuations.

Rescuer Safety

Always the #1 priority in fire situations.

Buddy System

Never fight fires alone; always work in pairs.

Required Safety Equipment

Gloves, helmet, goggles, N95 mask, sturdy shoes.

Fire Triangle

Heat, fuel, oxygen are essential for fire.

Class A Fires

Ordinary combustibles like paper, cloth, wood.

Class B Fires

Flammable liquids like oils and gasoline.

Class C Fires

Energized electrical equipment; requires special extinguishing agents.

Class D Fires

Combustible metals like aluminum and magnesium.

Class K Fires

Cooking oils; requires chemical agents for extinguishment.

Extinguishing Agents for Class A

Water, foam, dry chemical to remove heat.

Extinguishing Agents for Class B

Foam, CO2, dry chemical to remove air.

Extinguishing Agents for Class C

CO2, dry chemical; NEVER use water.

Extinguishing Agents for Class D

Special agents to remove air.

Extinguishing Agents for Class K

Chemical agents create foam to extinguish.

Fire Size-Up Process

9-step method for assessing fire situations.

Step 1: Gather Facts

Consider time, weather, construction type, occupancy, hazards.

Step 2: Assess Damage

Survey scene and communicate damage assessment.

Step 3: Consider Possibilities

Identify life hazards and potential additional damage.

Step 4: Assess Situation

Evaluate available equipment and resources.

Step 5: Establish Priorities

Identify pressing needs in the situation.

Step 6: Make Decisions

Allocate resources where they will be most effective.

Plan of Action

A strategy to implement safety measures.

Evaluate Progress

Assess ongoing effectiveness of safety strategies.

Firefighting Resources

Tools and personnel for managing fire emergencies.

Local Fire Departments

Community services responding to fire incidents.

Fire Alarm Systems

Devices that alert occupants of fire hazards.

Sprinkler Systems

Automatic systems for extinguishing fires.

Portable Fire Extinguishers

Handheld devices for controlling small fires.

Interior Wet Standpipes

Piping systems for firefighting (not for CERT use).

Water Extinguishers

Used for Class A fires, 2.5 gallons capacity.

Dry Chemical Extinguishers

Common extinguishers for Class B & C fires.

Carbon Dioxide Extinguishers

Less common, used for electrical fires.

Specialized Extinguishers

Designed for specific fire types or materials.

Extinguisher Rating System

Classification indicating effectiveness of extinguishers.

Class A Extinguishers

Rated 1A to 40A for ordinary combustibles.

Class B Extinguishers

Rated 1B to 640B for flammable liquids.

Class C Extinguishers

Safe for use on electrical fires.

Deciding to Use Extinguisher

Five critical questions to assess fire response.

Exit Safety

Ensure two escape routes are available.

Extinguisher Size

Must be adequate for the fire size.

Fire Alarm Activation

Activate if any answer is 'NO'.

Fire Department Contact

Always contact after any fire incident.

5-Second Rule

Evacuate if fire not out in 5 seconds.

Overhaul Process

Search for hidden fire/sparks post-extinguishing.

Cool, Soak, and Separate

Method to prevent rekindling after fire.

P.A.S.S. Technique

Method for using fire extinguishers.

Safety Equipment

Always wear helmet, goggles, gloves, sturdy shoes.

Exit Routes

Always have two escape routes available.

Door Check

Feel doors for heat before opening.

Smoke Inhalation

Leading cause of fire-related deaths.

Extinguisher Range

Maintain safe distance from the fire.

Team Member 1

Operates the fire extinguisher.

Team Member 2

Watches for hazards and ensures safety.

Electrical Hazards

Problems include overloaded outlets and frayed cords.

Natural Gas Asphyxiant

Displaces oxygen, causing suffocation risk.

Carbon Monoxide

Colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas.

Gas Shutoff Procedures

Know proper shutoff procedures for safety.

Flammable Liquids Storage

Limit quantities and isolate from ignition sources.

Hazardous Materials

Materials that can corrode, explode, or ignite.

NFPA 704 Diamond System

Four quadrants indicating hazard levels.

GHS Elements

Includes symbols, signal words, and hazard statements.

Transportation Placards

Used to identify hazardous materials in transport.

Emergency Response Guidebook

Guides responders in hazmat emergencies.

Hazmat Recognition

Identify hazards by sights, sounds, and smells.

Safety Priority

Rescuer safety is the top priority.

Evacuation Protocol

Evacuate if unsure about safety.

Equipment Limitations

CERT volunteers should avoid complex equipment.