Your Safety

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The La Crosse Fire Department is committed to your safety.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are classed by the type of fire they can put out. Some extinguishers are combination types that can be used on several different types of fires.

Types of extinguishers:

Class A - combustible material such as trash, paper, and wood.

Class B - flammable liquids such as gasoline, paint, alcohols, and oils.

Class C - electrical equipment.

Class D - combustible metals.

Class K - industrial sized kitchen fires.

P.A.S.S.

P.A.S.S. is a helpful acronym to remember when using a fire extinguisher.

Pull the pin. Aim at base of fire. Squeeze the handle. Sweep from side to side.

Start far away, then walk towards the fire as it is extinguished. When fully extinguished, back away from the fire. Fire extinguishers are for small fires in the early stages. If a fire is larger than an office trash can or you do not feel comfortable extinguishing it, evacuate and call 911.

Fire Extinguisher Use by Molly McCormick

College Students

The journey back to campus marks new experiences and a new chapter of life, along with a set of new responsibilities. College is an important time to focus on safety. College students should take a few minutes to make sure they are living in a safe environment.

General Fire Safety

If you live in an apartment or house, make sure smoke alarms are installed in each sleeping room, outside every sleeping area, and on each level of the apartment unit or house. Test all smoke alarms at least monthly. Never remove batteries or disable the alarm. Have a fire escape plan and practice drills as if they were the real thing. Always have two ways out of every room.

Cooking

Approximately 3 out of 4 campus related fires began in the kitchen or cooking area, with unattended cooking equipment as the most common factor contributing to the fire. We remind you to "keep an eye on what you fry" and never leave cooking unattended. It's also important to only cook where allowed and to keep your cooking area clean. Keep a lid nearby when you're cooking to smother small grease fires.

Smoking

If you smoke, smoke outside and only where it is permitted. Don't smoke in bed or when you've been drinking or are drowsy. Make sure cigarette butts and ashes are completely out, never dispose in a trash can or potted plant.

Lithium-Ion Battery Safety

Final Lithium Ion Battery Safety Flyer pg 1

Li-Ion Montage Video by Molly McCormick

The LCFD's Division of Community Risk Management follows many standard national and international organizations' recommendations for fire and life safety. These include: