Before I begin with this months topic I'd like take a moment and and say that it was a pleasure to meet many of you at the 5-day race at Bradenton Motorsports Park last month, with the exception of a little rain it was a great event again this year and if you haven't been you really should plan on going next year. I'd also like to congratulate the $10,000 winners who each received one of our large industrial first aid kit's - Troy Williams Jr., John Masio, Doug Heinisch and over all winner Brian Folk I'd also like to extend a special tip of the hat to Doug Heinisch whom I lost to in an outstanding final round race in Sunday's ten grander. It was also a pleasure meeting each of the winners and I hope you enjoy the first aid kit's. Best wishes to all of you in the new year and I look forward to meeting many of you in the future.

I'd also like to let the Damron family know that my families prayers, hopes and best wishes are with them during this challenging time.


Major Causes of Home Fires

Careless Smoking: 39%
Heat, Cooking & other Appliances: 26%
Matches & Open Flame: 14%
Electrical: 13%
Hot Objects: 6%
Other Sources: 2%

Studies show that from the time a fire starts, a person has less than four minutes to escape the overcoming effects of smoke, poisonous gases or superheated air. A fire extinguisher is your best defense against small, contained fires that have just begun to burn. Extinguishers can control flames until the fire department arrives, and buy you enough time to get out of a burning structure.

What's Your Type of Fire Extinguisher?
Every type of extinguisher is designed to fight a certain class or classes of fire. There are four classes which are determined by the type of fuel. Learning to identify these classes will help you select the right fire extinguisher. Using the wrong type of fire extinguisher can cause a fire to spread and place you in greater danger.

Type A extinguishers fight ordinary combustibles such as burning wood, cloth, paper, rubber, upholstery and plastics.
Type B extinguishers fight flammable liquids, gases and greases such as oils, paints and gasoline.
Type C extinguishers fight energized electrical fires such as burning wires, fuse boxes, circuit breakers, machinery and appliances.
Type D extinguishers are used on fires caused by combustible metals such as magnesium, sodium, potassium and aluminum. This type of extinguisher must match the type of metal that is burning for safety and maximum effectiveness. A list of metals that match the unit's extinguishing agent should be on the label.

There are also multipurpose fire extinguishers that can be used on type A, B and C classes of fire.

What's the PASS?
To use an extinguisher safely, stand six to eight feet from the fire with your back to an unblocked exit and use the PASS procedure:

Pull the safety pin at the top of the extinguisher. (Some units have latches or levers instead.)

Aim the nozzle, horn or hose at the base of the flames. Hold the extinguisher vertically to ensure the unit will have enough pressure.

Squeeze or press the handle to release the extinguishing agent. Contents empty fast.

Sweep from side to side at the base of the fire and at least six inches past the edges of the flames until completely extinguished.

Keep in a Location Near You
Keep extinguishers close to high-traffic areas, in easy-to-access locations. Place extinguishers on wall brackets no higher than five feet from the floor. Install them near exists and hazard areas. Keep one on each level of the dwelling, in the garage, and near the doors of furnace and mechanical rooms.

It's About Time
Acting fast can make the difference between and small fire and one that consumes your whole building. Before fighting a fire, be certain that everyone has been alerted to the fire and is leaving the building, and that the fire department has been called. Fight the fire only if the fire is small and contained, a correct type of extinguisher is within easy reach, and you are near a clear exit in case you need to escape.

Ready for Inspection
After each use, service rechargeable units and replace disposable models immediately. Check pressure gauges and carbon dioxide containers monthly. Inspect all containers on a regular basis looking for damage, corrosion or tampering. Make sure extinguishers are easy to remove from hooks or wall brackets. Maintain inspection records of usage and service. Records are helpful after a fire to prove to insurance companies that extinguishers were all serviced and in working order.

Previous Articles:
Burns
Bleeding
Head, Neck and Spine Injuries