---
title: 'Learn to use it now: Carbon dioxide hand fire extinguisher'
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/learn-to-use-it-now-carbon-dioxide-1946/
description: 'War Department instruction sheet (WD Poster No. 5-4) for the carbon dioxide hand fire extinguisher: a red brush-stroke field with the headline ''Learn'
section: Collection
---

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3. Learn to use it now: Carbon dioxide hand fire extinguisher

[![Learn to use it now: Carbon dioxide hand fire extinguisher, 1946 US poster: War Department instruction sheet (WD Poster No](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/learn-to-use-it-now-carbon-dioxide-1946.jpg)](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/images/learn-to-use-it-now-carbon-dioxide-1946.jpg)

# Learn to use it now: Carbon dioxide hand fire extinguisher

War Department instruction sheet (WD Poster No. 5-4) for the carbon dioxide hand fire extinguisher: a red brush-stroke field with the headline 'Learn to use it NOW', four numbered panels showing the extinguisher being lifted, carried and used, and a black 'Caution' disc. This is mainly an instruction sheet, so the technique is faint: the 'for your protection' and 'NOW' framing is a mild fear-appeal.

## Propaganda techniques used in this poster

[Fear appeal](https://propagandaarchive.org/techniques/fear-appeal/)

## Text on the object

Original (English) · read from the image, not independently checked

```
THIS EXTINGUISHER IS FOR YOUR PROTECTION
LEARN TO USE IT NOW
FOR FIRE ONLY CARBON DIOXIDE HAND FIRE EXTINGUISHER. For Use on live electrical equipment, burning liquids, greases, gasoline, oils. Effect is obtained by smothering and is a nonconductor of electricity.
HOW TO OPERATE
1. Remove extinguisher from hanger, hook or shelf
2. Carry to fire by carrying handle
3. Loosen discharge horn-Pull locking or safety pin. Open valve. 4. Approach fire as close as possible from windward side, move horn slowly from side to side; direct discharge to base of flames, continue discharge after flame is extinguished to avoid back flash from re-ignition
Caution
Avoid Breathing fumes or smoke
REPORT to proper authorities* any of the following features:
1. Locking pin out of place. 2. Safety seal broken. 3. Loose connection on hose or horn. 4. Hose or horn damaged. 5. Evidence of tampering.
* Call __________ Phone _____
ARRANGE FOR CHARGING AND REPLACEMENT IN SERVICE IMMEDIATELY AFTER USE
WD Poster No. 5-4. Carbon Dioxide Hand Fire Extinguisher.
[imprint:] U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1946-O-719343
Distribution: Special.
```

[← 'Síla KSČ je v lidu': Communist Party pre-election photomontage leaflet, 1946](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/ksc-sila-lidu-pre-election-leaflet-1946/) [Learn to use it now: Carbon tetrachloride hand fire extinguisher →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/learn-to-use-it-now-carbon-tetrachloride-1946/)

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