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

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3. Learn to use it now: Foam hand fire extinguisher

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

# Learn to use it now: Foam hand fire extinguisher

War Department instruction sheet (WD Poster No. 5-5) for the foam hand 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 FOAM HAND FIRE EXTINGUISHER. For Use on burning liquids, such as oil, grease, gasoline, paint; also paper, rubbish and other ordinary combustibles.
DO NOT USE on live electrical equipment. Effect is obtained by cooling, smothering, and quenching.
HOW TO OPERATE
1. Lift extinguisher from hanger hook
2. Carry by ring top. Do not tip
3. Turn extinguisher upside down when ready to attack fire. 4. Direct stream against inside opposite wall of container or allow foam to fall lightly on surface
Caution
Do not aim stream directly into burning liquid. Protect from freezing. Do not add antifreeze compound
REPORT to proper authorities* any of the following features:
1. Extinguisher empty or partially empty. 2. Broken or damaged hose. 3. Hose nozzle clogged or damaged. 4. Evidence of tampering. 5. Evidence of corrosion or leaking.
* Call __________ Phone _____
ARRANGE FOR CHARGING AND REPLACEMENT IN SERVICE IMMEDIATELY AFTER USE
WD Poster No. 5-5. Foam Hand Fire Extinguisher.
[imprint:] U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1946-O-719398
Distribution: Special.
```

[← Learn to use it now - Carbon tetrachloride hand fire extinguisher](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/learn-to-use-it-now-carbon-tetrachloride-extinguisher-1946/) [Learn to use it now: Foam pump tank hand fire extinguisher →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/learn-to-use-it-now-foam-pump-tank-1946/)

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