CERT
FIRE
Classes of Fires
Size It Up
Hazardous Materials
100

What is the CERT motto?

Do the greatest good for the most amount of people in the least amount of time.

100

What is an "electrical octopus?"

An outlet with extenders that has more than two things plugged into it.

100

What is burning in a class A fire?

Ordinary combustibles

100

What are the first two steps of a size up?

Gather the facts

Assess the Damage

100

What does L.I.E.S stand for?

Limit Isolate Eliminate Separate

200

What PPE and equipment should you have before deciding to fight a fire?

Helmet, Goggles, Gloves, Extinguisher, and a Buddy!

200

What does it mean to "overhaul" a fire?

To extinguish every bit of burning material.

200

What is burning in a class B fire?

Flammable liquids, solvents, gas, etc.

200

What are the first four steps in a size up?

Gather the Facts

Assess Damage

Consider Probabilities

Assess Your situation

200

How do you know if a material is hazardous?

If it can:

explode, corrode, react, is unstable, or toxic.

300

What is the first thing to ask when you get on-scene?

Is it safe?

300

In what order should you turn OFF your breakers in your electrical panel?

Bottom to top. Individual to Main.

300

What is burning in a class D fire?

Combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, and sodium.

300

What is the fifth step in a size up?

Establish Priorities

300

What should CERT do when they see this symbol?

STOP! Keep others away, go upwind of the site, and document what happened.

400

On what is the point-person focused? How about the buddy?

The point-person is focused on the fire. The buddy is focused on everything else.

400

What are the 5 classes of a fire?

A B C D K

400

What is burning in a class K fire?

Oils utilized in commercial cooking appliances.

400

What do you do when you have completed all nine steps in a size up?

Start over at step 1 because the facts may have changed.

400

Which types of cleaners should you never mix with bleach?

Ammonia, acids, or other cleaners.

500

How long can CERT attempt to extinguish a fire before retreating?

About 5 seconds.

500

Fire or utility hazards usually fall into which three categories?

  • Electrical hazards
  • Natural gas hazards
  • Flammable or combustible liquids
500

What happens to a class C fire when you eliminate the current (shut off electricity?)

It becomes a class A fire.

500

What are the last four steps in a size up?

Make Decisions

Develop a Plan of Action

Take Action

Evaluate progress

500

What should you do if you get a corrosive chemical on your skin?

Brush off the chemical as much as possible then rinse the area with water.

600

What can CERT do if the fire is large?

Document, keep others away, encourage survivors to self-rescue, work with first responders when they arrive.

600

What do the numbers on the extinguisher mean? (for example: 4A:80B:C)

A is the gallons of water equivalent.

B is the sq ft area of coverage.

The number next to A represents n*1 ¼ gallons of water. For instance, 2A means the extinguisher is just as effective as 2 ½ gallons of water. 4A is equivalent to 5 gallons of water. The Class B size rating indicates the square footage the extinguisher can cover.

600

What class of fire is a burning lithium battery?

Class B, due to the presence of flammable liquids. 

A standard dry chemical or ABC extinguisher can put them out.

600

List all nine steps of a size-up, in order.

Gather the Facts

Assess Damage

Consider Probabilities

Assess Your Situation

Establish Priorities

Make Decisions

Develop a Plan of Action

Take Action

Evaluate Progress

600

What do the colors represent on this hazardous materials placard?


Blue - health hazard

Red - fire hazard

Yellow - reactive hazard

White - special precautions

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