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
- Date
- 1946
- Period
- Cold War
- Made by
- U.S. War Department
- Region
- North America
- Country
- United States
- Medium
- Poster
- Issuer type
- Military
- Regime
- Truman Administration
- Leader
- Harry S. Truman
- Audience
- Own forces
- Purpose
- Warn or inform
- Themes
- War and the military, Science and technology
- Event
- Post World War II
- Source
- Identified Openly sourced: the speaker is who they say they are
- Source
- U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Record Group 44, World War II Posters, retrieved October 4, 2026
- Rights
- Public domain (U.S. government work)
U.S. War Department. National Archives and Records Administration, RG 44, 44-PA-1247 (NAID 514853).
Text on the object
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.
