🔥 Fire Safety and Extinguisher Use – Saki Corporation

Summary:
Fire safety is everyone’s responsibility.
This article explains how to prevent fires in your home, where fire extinguishers are located, and how to use them correctly in accordance with Japanese fire safety guidelines.

🏠 1. Fire Prevention at Home

Most fires in Okinawa homes start from kitchen stoves, heaters, or electrical appliances.
You can greatly reduce the risk by following these preventive steps:

✅ Kitchen Safety

Never leave a gas stove or oven unattended while cooking.
Keep flammable items (towels, paper, curtains) away from open flames.
Clean oil and grease regularly to prevent ignition.
Turn off gas and unplug cooking appliances after use.

✅ Electrical Safety

Avoid overloading outlets with too many plugs.
Use surge protectors for major electronics.
Do not run cords under rugs or mats.
Unplug unused appliances during long absences.

✅ General Precautions

Do not smoke indoors or on balconies.
Keep candles and incense away from flammable materials.
Turn off heaters when leaving a room or going to sleep.

⚠️ Important: In case you smell gas, do not use switches or flames — open windows, close the main gas valve, and contact your gas company immediately.

🧯 2. Location and Types of Fire Extinguishers

Every Saki Corporation property is equipped with at least one fire extinguisher (消火器 / shōkaki), typically located:

Near the entrance or kitchen, or
In the hallway or common area (for apartment buildings).

Common Types in Japan

Label Color	Type	Use For
Red	Powder (ABC) type	Most household fires: oil, paper, electrical
Silver	Foam / Water	General fires (non-electrical)
Green	CO₂ (carbon dioxide)	Electrical equipment fires

💡 Always check the label and expiration date on your extinguisher (printed on the side). Expired units must be replaced by management.

🧑‍🚒 3. How to Use a Fire Extinguisher (PASS Method)

Follow these four simple steps, as recommended by the Tokyo Fire Department:
(Tokyo Fire Dept. – Fire Extinguisher Use Guide)

Step	Action	Description
P – Pull	Pull out the safety pin	Hold the extinguisher upright
A – Aim	Aim at the base of the fire	Stay about 2–3 meters away
S – Squeeze	Squeeze the lever firmly	Control the flow of powder
S – Sweep	Sweep side to side	Cover the fire evenly until it’s out

⚠️ If the fire does not go out immediately, evacuate and call 119 (Japan’s fire emergency number).

🚨 4. What to Do in Case of Fire

Shout “Kaji!” (Fire!) to alert others nearby.
If small and manageable, use the extinguisher immediately.
If the fire spreads or smoke thickens, evacuate immediately — do not try to save belongings.
Close doors behind you to slow the spread.
Call 119 (Fire Department) from a safe location.
- Operator may not speak English, but say:
  
  “Fire. [Your Address]. Please come quickly.”
Notify Saki Corporation once you are safe and the situation is under control.

📞 Saki Corporation Office: 098-923-0454

🧰 5. Checking and Maintaining Extinguishers

Tenants should regularly check their extinguishers and report any issues.

🔍 Monthly Quick Check

Confirm it is easily accessible and not blocked.
Make sure the pressure gauge needle is within the green zone.
Ensure the safety pin and seal are intact.
Check that the nozzle is clean and not damaged.

💡 If the gauge needle is outside the green area or rust appears, contact our office for replacement.

🧳 6. Fire Safety During Long Absence

Before going on extended leave or deployment:

Turn off gas and unplug appliances.
Remove flammable items from around the stove and heater.
Check that balcony and electrical outlets are clean and dust-free.
Notify Saki Corporation if you’ll be away for more than 7 days (as required by your lease).

⚠️ Failure to properly secure gas or electrical sources before absence may result in damage liability.