Prince William County Public Schools

Fire Safety and Fire Extinguishers

The safety of our staff and students is our primary goal. Regulated by Fire Safety Regulation No. 408-1. To assist in this endeavor, the Risk Management and Security Department will provide fire extinguisher training for employees. To schedule a training class contact this office. A review of some of the materials that will be reviewed in the training are below.

When to Use a Fire Extinguisher

Only attempt to use an extinguisher if all of the following apply:

• The building is being evacuated;
• 911 has been called;
• Fire is small and contained;
• Exit is clear and you can fight with your back to the exit;
• A proper extinguisher is available;
• You have been trained and are confident in using an extinguisher; and
• You can stay low and avoid breathing smoke.

Fire extinguishers are not designed or intended to extinguish large fires, but if used properly, can control or extinguish a small fire. A small fire is defined as one that could occur in a standard office trash can. When a fire or suspected fire, e.g., smoke is discovered, the first reaction should be to activate the fire alarm, call 911, and evacuate the building according to the evacuation plan. Fire extinguishers are provided in all school buildings and can be used provided the person is properly trained to use the extinguisher.