CERT U6 FIRE STUDY GUIDE
Unit 6.1: Fire and Utility Control - Fire Safety Basics
P.A.S.S. for Fire Extinguishers:
1. Pull the Pin: This releases the locking mechanism.
2. Aim at the base of the fire: Directing the extinguisher at the base attacks the fuel source.
3. Squeeze the lever: Activates the extinguisher.
4. Sweep side to side: Covers a wider area to fully extinguish the fire.
Fire Triangle:
• Heat: The element that ignites the fire.
• Oxygen: Needed to sustain combustion.
• Fuel: Material that burns.
If one element is removed, the fire will go out.
Classes of Fire:
• Class A: Ordinary combustibles (wood, paper, cloth).
• Class B: Flammable liquids (gasoline, oil, grease).
• Class C: Energized electrical fires.
• Class D: Combustible metals (e.g., magnesium).
• Class K: Kitchen fires (cooking oils, fats).
CERT Volunteer Roles in Fire Situations:
• Extinguish small fires (the size of a wastebasket) using one extinguisher.
• Remove fuel sources when possible (e.g., flammable materials).
• Shut off utilities like gas or electricity if necessary and safe.
• Assist with evacuations when needed.
Fire Suppression Safety:
• Rescuer Safety is the highest priority.
• Use the buddy system: Never work alone.
• Wear safety equipment: Helmets, gloves, masks, etc.
• Focus on the greatest good: Act in a way that benefits the most survivors.
CERT Size-Up:
1. Gather Facts about the scene.
2. Assess Damage to determine hazards.
3. Consider Probabilities of further danger or changes.
4. Assess Your Situation in relation to the environment and potential hazards.
5. Establish Priorities: Determine immediate actions.
6. Make Decisions: Develop an effective response.
7. Develop a Plan of Action.
8. Take Action safely and decisively.
9. Evaluate Progress: Reassess the situation continuously.
Types of Extinguishers:
• Water: For Class A fires.
• Dry Chemical: Suitable for Class A, B, and C fires.
• CO2: Effective on Class B and C fires.
• Specialized: For Class D and K fires.
Unit 6.2: Utility Control and Hazardous Materials
Approaching Fire Safely (6 Steps):
1. Ready Position: CERT volunteers assume a stable stance and prepare for movement.
2. Communication: Person 1 says “ready,” Person 2 repeats.
3. Advance to Fire: Person 1 says “going in,” Person 2 repeats; advance hand on shoulder.
4. Extinguish: Person 1 faces the fire and uses the extinguisher.
5. Exit Safely: Person 1 says “going out,” Person 2 repeats.
6. Guidance: Person 2 leads Person 1 away from the fire while maintaining direction.
CERT Volunteers Should NOT:
• Fight large or uncontrolled fires.
• Get too close to flames.
• Work alone or without the buddy system.
• Enter smoke-filled areas.
Utility Control:
1. Electricity:
• Locate power shut-offs.
• Follow the sequence: Shut off individual breakers before the main breaker.
• For fuses: Pull out individual fuses before the main.
2. Natural Gas:
• Hazards include asphyxiation and explosion.
• Shut off the gas if there’s a leak (e.g., hearing hissing, smelling gas).
• Do not turn gas back on; call a licensed technician.
Hazardous Materials and L.I.E.S.:
CERT members should recognize hazardous materials and respond accordingly.
1. Limit exposure.
2. Isolate the area.
3. Eliminate ignition sources.
4. Separate people from the hazard.
Hazardous Material Classifications:
• Corrosive: Causes damage on contact.
• Explosive: Can detonate.
• Flammable Gases/Liquids: Easily ignited.
• Non-Flammable Gases: Inert or may displace oxygen.
• Oxidizers: React violently with combustibles.
• Radioactive: Emits radiation.
Placards and Symbols:
• 704 Diamond: Represents hazards with color-coded sections:
• Blue: Health hazard (1–4).
• Red: Flammability (1–4).
• Yellow: Instability (1–4).
• White: Special hazards (e.g., “W” for water-reactive, “OX” for oxidizers).
Note: If any number on the 704 Diamond is higher than 1, CERT should avoid the area.
Test Points:
1. Gas Shut-Off Tool: Use a non-sparking wrench.
2. Hazardous Placards = Stop Signs: False; placards indicate hazards, but for CERT members, they serve as a signal to avoid the area.
3. CERT Goal: Ensure safety and help the greatest number of survivors.
4. Turning Off Circuit Breakers: Turn off individual breakers before the main breaker.
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