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Hello team, I'm here again to share some of my thoughts with you on the need to always have a fire extinguisher nearby. 

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Alot of people today build and live in beautiful and well furnished houses and apartments forgetting to take precaution against man's biggest threat, "Fire"! 

The US National Fire Protection Association reports that "In 2016, there were 1,342,000 fires reported in the United States. These fires caused 3,390 civilian deaths, 14,650 civilian injuries, and $10.6 billion in property damage" .

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Fire in its uncontrolled state can be so hazardous that it is ranked  as man's number 1 enemy. Fire incidents can be very devastating leading to physical destruction of assets and even leading to fatality. 

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This is why you must put appropriate measures in place to control and mitigate fire incidents from occurring in your homes, offices, cars, and any where there is a potential fire hazard. One tool that has proven to be very useful in putting out fires is the fire extinguisher. 

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Fire extinguishers ranges from portable hand-held  types to large industrial hydrant stations. Today, our focus is on the use of portable fire extinguishers. 

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Do not live in that apartment, do not drive that car or cook in that kitchen without a fire extinguisher within reach. A lot of people  erroneously assume that fire extinguishers are only used by companies and found in work  environments. No no no. This should not be the case. As a matter of fact fire extinguishers are more important in your homes because that is where you have all your valuables including your loved ones and certificates that you have toiled for all your life. 

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If you don't already have at least one fire extinguisher in your home, please get one as soon as possible. Having fire extinguishers in my home have saved my house from been consumed in an inferno; so I am talking from personal experience. 

When buying a fire extinguisher, ensure you buy the right type. There are different classes of fire and so do fire extinguishers. Ensure you discuss with your dealer for proper guidance. 

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If you own a fire extinguisher, this is how to use it. Remember the acronym P. A. S. S

"P" stands for PULL the Pin

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"A" stands for AIM at the base of fire

![images(2).png](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVYAWKU1X7AuwHwELEyyigu7TQhafkeW31TUoZDZBrhXh/images(2).png)

"S" stands for SQUEEZE the handle 

![images(13).jpg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmVSfTPd5Qqy6nSGjvYAMCDpdRtM5YR8y3uCiJijB7gLDY/images(13).jpg)

"S" stands for SWEEP from side to side. 

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I hope you find this piece of information useful. 

Remember, "STOP THE FIRE BEFORE IT STOPS YOU"

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-Shalom! 

@nathanieloamhen (NEBOSH certified Occupational Health and Safety Specialist) 

Image sources: Google images

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