What should you do after pulling the safety pin of a fire extinguisher?

After pulling the safety pin of a fire extinguisher, it is essential to point the nozzle at the fire. This initial step ensures that when the extinguisher is activated, it releases the extinguishing agent directly onto the flames. Proper positioning is crucial for effectively targeting the source of the fire, which maximizes the chances of extinguishing it safely and efficiently.

This action is part of the PASS method, which stands for Pull, Aim, Squeeze, and Sweep. After pulling the pin, aiming at the base of the fire is essential to combat the flames effectively. The other choices do not align with the recommended procedure for using a fire extinguisher immediately after the safety pin is removed. Waiting for a signal, moving back, or shaking the extinguisher does not contribute to addressing the fire and could potentially increase danger or decrease the effectiveness of the response.