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#11
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OT fire extinguishers?
Keep a simple bag packed with important information/prescriptions/
contact info etc that can be used for a fire or storm or any emergency. Keep it nearby. If you sleep in your birthday suit, make sure you have clothes and shoes nearby to jump into if there is a fire. Keep fire extinguishers in several places in your house. Make sure you get the proper type, in a size you can handle, and keep it charged. Read the label now, and refresh your memory every month or two so you are not trying to understand how to use it when you actually need it. Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire, not at the flames, when using it. Keep an extinguisher in your car/vehicle for use on car fires, but also keep one to be used on a small house fire there. People have saved a house as they drive by and see a problem, then stop to help. If you have multiple stories, make sure you have a fire escape ladder that can be tossed out the window to hook on the window ledge and give you escape to the ground. If you live in an apartment complex, know where the extinguishers are outside. Know your closest fire station. Ginger in CA On Jun 28, 8:17*pm, "Polly Esther" wrote: In the dozen years since we've been in the Swamp, there have been 3 home fires. *This area is so remote that all the fire department can do mostly is bring sympathy cards. * * Back when I was gainfully employed we used to have fire drills and (better yet) lessons from the fire guys to teach us how to use a fire extinguisher. They actually set the statue of General Somebody ablaze out in the courthouse front lawn and gave everybody a turn at putting him out. * * At the time, I was too little to even lift the fire extinguisher down from its mount. *Couldn't possibly have carried it to a fire. * * It always delights and comforts me about the far-ranging expertise of our quilting group. *Anybody know anything about being prepared for a fire? (And I will tolerate no smart 'coming from afar' quips.) * I really need to get / know *how to be prepared. *So do you. *Polly |
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#12
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OT fire extinguishers?
On Jun 28, 11:17*pm, "Polly Esther" wrote:
In the dozen years since we've been in the Swamp, there have been 3 home fires. *This area is so remote that all the fire department can do mostly is bring sympathy cards. * * Back when I was gainfully employed we used to have fire drills and (better yet) lessons from the fire guys to teach us how to use a fire extinguisher. They actually set the statue of General Somebody ablaze out in the courthouse front lawn and gave everybody a turn at putting him out. * * At the time, I was too little to even lift the fire extinguisher down from its mount. *Couldn't possibly have carried it to a fire. * * It always delights and comforts me about the far-ranging expertise of our quilting group. *Anybody know anything about being prepared for a fire? (And I will tolerate no smart 'coming from afar' quips.) * I really need to get / know *how to be prepared. *So do you. *Polly OK, I read the replies posted before mine to avoid repetition. 1. Always hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst. 2. Review your homeowner's policy. You should have a "replacement value" policy or rider, or you will get screwed big-time if the worst happens. 3. See if your local FD will perform home safety inspections/ evaluations for specifics for *your* home. Your insurance company may perform same, or refer you to someone reputable who can (it's in *their* best interest). 4. There *should* be *at least* 2 exits from every room in your home - (usually one door and one window). If not, or you have a second floor window that does not exit onto a roof, you may have some thinking/ planning to do. As mentioned, your best defenses are smoke/fire detectors, installed, maintained, and tested properly. Extinguishers are fine, but don't be stupid - things can be replaced - lives can't. 5. You may need a fireproof safe for important papers (like that insurance policy, birth certificates, passports, etc.) The idea of the safe is to protect that stuff so that it will survive the fire *without* your having to risk your life going in after it. If you did go after it, it wouldn't be in danger of burning in the first place (i.e. think things through). 6. Ask if you public library has, or can order, the NFPA Fire Prevention Handbook; it is The BIBLE - it will have any/all information you could ever need/want. (Note: cost to buy is prohibitive) If they can't get it, your FD should have it (but they'll likely not want it to leave the firehouse - those things are expensive.) Short of that, most anything/everything you need/want to know can be found online. Be Safe, Doc |
#13
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OT fire extinguishers?
On Jun 29, 9:28*am, "Dr. Zachary Smith"
wrote: On Jun 28, 11:17*pm, "Polly Esther" wrote: In the dozen years since we've been in the Swamp, there have been 3 home fires. *This area is so remote that all the fire department can do mostly is bring sympathy cards. * * Back when I was gainfully employed we used to have fire drills and (better yet) lessons from the fire guys to teach us how to use a fire extinguisher. They actually set the statue of General Somebody ablaze out in the courthouse front lawn and gave everybody a turn at putting him out. * * At the time, I was too little to even lift the fire extinguisher down from its mount. *Couldn't possibly have carried it to a fire. * * It always delights and comforts me about the far-ranging expertise of our quilting group. *Anybody know anything about being prepared for a fire? (And I will tolerate no smart 'coming from afar' quips.) * I really need to get / know *how to be prepared. *So do you. *Polly OK, I read the replies posted before mine to avoid repetition. 1. Always hope for the best, but be prepared for the worst. 2. Review your homeowner's policy. *You should have a "replacement value" policy or rider, or you will get screwed big-time if the worst happens. 3. See if your local FD will perform home safety inspections/ evaluations for specifics for *your* home. *Your insurance company may perform same, or refer you to someone reputable who can (it's in *their* best interest). 4. There *should* be *at least* 2 exits from every room in your home - (usually one door and one window). *If not, or you have a second floor window that does not exit onto a roof, you may have some thinking/ planning to do. *As mentioned, your best defenses are smoke/fire detectors, installed, maintained, and tested properly. *Extinguishers are fine, but don't be stupid - things can be replaced - lives can't. 5. You may need a fireproof safe for important papers (like that insurance policy, birth certificates, passports, etc.) *The idea of the safe is to protect that stuff so that it will survive the fire *without* your having to risk your life going in after it. *If you did go after it, it wouldn't be in danger of burning in the first place (i.e. think things through). 6. Ask if you public library has, or can order, the NFPA Fire Prevention Handbook; it is The BIBLE - it will have any/all information you could ever need/want. (Note: cost to buy is prohibitive) *If they can't get it, your FD should have it (but they'll likely not want it to leave the firehouse - those things are expensive.) *Short of that, most anything/everything you need/want to know can be found online. Be Safe, Doc Addendum - In the event that the worst happens, the real danger of a fire is not the fire itself, or the smoke (though smoke is more dangerous than fire) - it's the FUMES. Fumes from whatever is burning may be invisible (whereas smoke is not), and may contain such poisons as cyanide, which can take you out in a few breaths. Both smoke & fumes may be superheated (which can burn you on contact - go rent BACKDRAFT again), so stay low/crawl if that's possible, but GET OUT. |
#14
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OT fire extinguishers?
On Jun 29, 12:34*am, "Taria" wrote:
Another link:http://www.hanford.gov/fire/safety/extingrs.htm#fetypes Hopefully someone that knows about this stuff will chime in. *Looks like Halon doesn't leave a residue so it won't hurt electronics. *I just bought the ones at Costco that looked most appropriate. I guess a good plan would be to remember there isn't anything that is worth losing your life and keep your fire insurance premiums paid up. Taria, lost yet another uncle today. *: ( Taria, Sorry to hear about your uncle. Halon doesn't leave a residue so it won't hurt electronics. If it's the electronics that were on fire, does that really matter? They're going to be toast anyway, and should be covered by insurance (like water & smoke damage from fighting fires) - so get what puts the fire out best/fastest that won't be toxic to the user. Doc |
#15
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OT fire extinguishers?
thanks doc. I think the halon is more for industrial applicantions than
home ones. Taria "Dr. Zachary Smith" wrote in message ... On Jun 29, 12:34 am, "Taria" wrote: Another link:http://www.hanford.gov/fire/safety/extingrs.htm#fetypes Hopefully someone that knows about this stuff will chime in. Looks like Halon doesn't leave a residue so it won't hurt electronics. I just bought the ones at Costco that looked most appropriate. I guess a good plan would be to remember there isn't anything that is worth losing your life and keep your fire insurance premiums paid up. Taria, lost yet another uncle today. : ( Taria, Sorry to hear about your uncle. Halon doesn't leave a residue so it won't hurt electronics. If it's the electronics that were on fire, does that really matter? They're going to be toast anyway, and should be covered by insurance (like water & smoke damage from fighting fires) - so get what puts the fire out best/fastest that won't be toxic to the user. Doc |
#16
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OT fire extinguishers?
One thing we do for newcomers to Germany is a sheet with all the
useful sentences in German. But it would work for anybody: when you are in panic mode, you can forget your own name. so the sheet has you write down your name, address etc, all the emergency numbers, and a list of the things you need to tell your rescuers. Make several copies, one by each phone, one in each car. Roberta in D On Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:17:50 -0500, "Polly Esther" wrote: In the dozen years since we've been in the Swamp, there have been 3 home fires. This area is so remote that all the fire department can do mostly is bring sympathy cards. Back when I was gainfully employed we used to have fire drills and (better yet) lessons from the fire guys to teach us how to use a fire extinguisher. They actually set the statue of General Somebody ablaze out in the courthouse front lawn and gave everybody a turn at putting him out. At the time, I was too little to even lift the fire extinguisher down from its mount. Couldn't possibly have carried it to a fire. It always delights and comforts me about the far-ranging expertise of our quilting group. Anybody know anything about being prepared for a fire? (And I will tolerate no smart 'coming from afar' quips.) I really need to get / know how to be prepared. So do you. Polly |
#17
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OT fire extinguishers?
On Jun 28, 11:17*pm, "Polly Esther" wrote:
In the dozen years since we've been in the Swamp, there have been 3 home fires. *This area is so remote that all the fire department can do mostly is bring sympathy cards. * * Back when I was gainfully employed we used to have fire drills and (better yet) lessons from the fire guys to teach us how to use a fire extinguisher. They actually set the statue of General Somebody ablaze out in the courthouse front lawn and gave everybody a turn at putting him out. * * At the time, I was too little to even lift the fire extinguisher down from its mount. *Couldn't possibly have carried it to a fire. * * It always delights and comforts me about the far-ranging expertise of our quilting group. *Anybody know anything about being prepared for a fire? (And I will tolerate no smart 'coming from afar' quips.) * I really need to get / know *how to be prepared. *So do you. *Polly Polly, I just checked with DH - who has been a firefighter for over 25 years. He said you should have an 'ABC' or 'Dry Chemical' fire extinguisher for home use. This takes care of all of the various components in your home, which CO2 does not. Halon, he does not believe, is no longer commercially available. It has been replaced by Halite (sp) which is specifically for use in computer server room and similar settings but due to the way it fights fire is not to be used with people present. I would agree with many of the suggestions of others here as to multiple units - that you can handle - in various parts of your home. We, however, have only one in the kitchen under the sink. Then again, we are one block from the fire house. It is, however, all volunteer and it does take a few minutes for trucks to respond. I'm perfectly comfortable with this arrangement. I'm also of the belief that it's all just 'stuff' and as long as we and the dogs are out of the house, the rest can all be replaced. I would second the suggestion of a fire safe box for your important documents. I've had one of these for decades. When my in-law's home burned to the ground just before I met my DH, they had nothing but the clothes on their backs and no way to reconstruct driver's license, credit cards, insurance documents, etc. It was beyond tiresome for them to reconstruct all of that documentation and try to buy clothes, building materials and furnishings in the process. Put copies of the expendible type infor (cc; license, etc.) and originals of the really important stuff in there. (I now need to go take my own advice). So, off you go to the local home supply store to get your fire extinguisher(s) and BE SAFE. Kim in NJ I have been to many devastating fire scenes and it's not pretty. But as long as all the living creatures - either 2 legged or 4 - are safe, that's really all that matters. |
#18
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OT fire extinguishers?
We have a good system here. On the front door you have a little sticker,
on the fridge door a similar sticker, and inside the fridge in the door a little screwtop jar containing a paper with your name, next of kin, medications, pets etc. etc. When the emergency services arrive they know that the info. will be in the jar in the fridge door. (fridges apparently survive fire). When the scheme first started a few years ago I was on the publicity stall in the High Street. Despite the fact that they were free, it amazed me how many people didn't want them - and this in a town with an above average number of older people. Sally at the Seaside ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~uk http://picasaweb.google.com/SallySeaside Roberta wrote: One thing we do for newcomers to Germany is a sheet with all the useful sentences in German. But it would work for anybody: when you are in panic mode, you can forget your own name. so the sheet has you write down your name, address etc, all the emergency numbers, and a list of the things you need to tell your rescuers. Make several copies, one by each phone, one in each car. Roberta in D On Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:17:50 -0500, "Polly Esther" wrote: In the dozen years since we've been in the Swamp, there have been 3 home fires. This area is so remote that all the fire department can do mostly is bring sympathy cards. Back when I was gainfully employed we used to have fire drills and (better yet) lessons from the fire guys to teach us how to use a fire extinguisher. They actually set the statue of General Somebody ablaze out in the courthouse front lawn and gave everybody a turn at putting him out. At the time, I was too little to even lift the fire extinguisher down from its mount. Couldn't possibly have carried it to a fire. It always delights and comforts me about the far-ranging expertise of our quilting group. Anybody know anything about being prepared for a fire? (And I will tolerate no smart 'coming from afar' quips.) I really need to get / know how to be prepared. So do you. Polly |
#19
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OT fire extinguishers?
Sally, I had not thought about putting the information inside the fridge
door, but I have it elsewhere. Thanks! I'll do it today! Here in SC we put ICE (In Case of Emergency) on our cell phones. Barbara |
#20
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OT fire extinguishers?
On Jun 30, 9:24*am, Sally Swindells
wrote: We have a good system here. On the front door you have a little sticker, on the fridge door a similar sticker, and inside the fridge in the door a little screwtop jar containing a paper with your name, next of kin, medications, pets etc. etc. When the emergency services arrive they know that the info. will be in the jar in the fridge door. (fridges apparently survive fire). Still... I don't think I'd trust to stashing my important papers in the vegetable bin or in the freezer behind the ice cream. Doc |
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