Test Your Fire Safety Knowledge

Fire extinguishers work by neutralizing at least one of the three elements -- heat, oxygen or fuel -- needed to sustain a fire.

Fuels need more than just the presence of oxygen to ignite. For a combustion reaction to occur, the fuel has to be heated to its ignition temperature.

To use your fire extinguisher, pull out the safety pin and press down on the lever. This sets in motion the release of fire-suppresant material.

The best way to remove oxygen from a fire is to cut it off from its oxygen supply. To smother a small fire, cover it with a heavy blanket or dump a nonflammable material such as sand or baking soda on top of it.

In order for a fire to occur there needs to be oxygen and a fuel such as gasoline, wood or other combustible materials. The reaction between oxygen and a fuel is known as a chemical combustion reaction.

Don't spend more than 30 seconds fighting a fire, as small fires can get big very quickly. Try and smother the fire by turning off the gas or covering it with a heavy blanket and using a fire extinguisher. If you are not having quick success, evacuate the house and call the fire department.

Each room should have two fire exits. If a fire exit is through a window on a higher floor, make sure there is a ladder that can be dropped from the window. It is important to show your children where the fire exits are and take your family through the fire drill so that they know what to do in the event of a fire.

Avoid running extension cords under rugs or carpets, since these cords tend to wear easily and may short and cause a fire. Frayed cords should be replaced. It is also important not to overload electrical circuits.

Fire extinguishers are metal cylinders filled with water or a chemical smothering material. When you activate the extinguisher, the material is expelled under high pressure.

Use tape to secure electrical cords to walls or floors. Nails and staples can damage the cords.