---
title: 'Learn to use it now: Foam pump tank hand fire extinguisher'
url: https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/learn-to-use-it-now-foam-pump-tank-1946/
description: 'War Department instruction sheet (WD Poster No. 5-8) for the foam pump tank hand fire extinguisher: a red brush-stroke field with the headline ''Learn'
section: Collection
---

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

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

# Learn to use it now: Foam pump tank hand fire extinguisher

War Department instruction sheet (WD Poster No. 5-8) for the foam pump tank 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 PUMP TANK HAND FIRE EXTINGUISHER. For Use on burning liquids, oils, greases, gasoline, paint; also paper, wood, rubbish, and other ordinary combustibles.
DO NOT USE on live electrical equipment. Effect is obtained by cooling, smothering, and quenching.
HOW TO OPERATE
1. Remove from hanger, hook or shelf
2. Carry to fire by carrying handles
3. Set down in upright position. Place foot on foot rest. 4. Operate hand pump with 6-8 inch stroke. 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. Tank empty or partially empty. 2. Broken or damaged hose. 3. Hose nozzle clogged. 4. Evidence of tampering. 5. Evidence of leaking or corrosion.
* Call __________ Phone _____
ARRANGE FOR CHARGING AND REPLACEMENT IN SERVICE IMMEDIATELY AFTER USE
WD Poster No. 5-8. Foam Pump Tank Hand Fire Extinguisher.
[imprint:] U. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE 1946-O-719375
Distribution: Special.
```

[← Learn to use it now: Foam hand fire extinguisher](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/learn-to-use-it-now-foam-hand-1946/) [Learn to use it now: Soda-acid hand fire extinguisher →](https://propagandaarchive.org/collection/learn-to-use-it-now-soda-acid-1946/)

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