Fire Extinguisher Training

Today’s topic comes from an avid http://askgrampsaboutanything.blogspot.com/ reader, David somewhere in NorCal. “So few communities have any type of education and hands on classes for learning how to properly use a fire extinguisher. I would think that house insurance companies would help underwrite the costs with the local fire depts. It only seems that I ever see any education of this type being offered in small towns never larger cities. Gramps, what do you think? David..."

Well, I think David has a point. The main ‘costs’ in doing this are the costs of servicing the fire extinguisher and refilling it with chemicals. One would think the fire extinguisher service companies could team with the fire departments, and some progressive thinking insurance companies, to provide such hands–on classes to the public.

The fire department personnel are either paid and on duty, or volunteers who volunteer their time in such an educational effort. So, in most respects, there is no real or actual cost to the fire departments to have personnel providing this type of public education. Though, city or county pencil pushers or bean counters might argue about that.

Back when I was a firefighter, I participated in several such training sessions, and was very glad to do it. People were always amazed at how close they would have to get to the flames in order to have fire extinguishers work effectively to put out the flames.

By the way, oil fire training school taught us firefighters how to put out a flaming pit of oil and gasoline, about six inches deep, and 15 by 30 feet, using only a garden hose with the standard nozzle and typical residential water supply. Now, that was not only a very hot fire, but it was a very interesting experience.

So, I agree with David. There ought to be more training like this available, not only to school students, but adults as well.

Also, if insurance companies cannot step up to the plate, maybe it could be an opportunity for a business person. I realize that most businesses have so many requests for donations. However, if someone had a little extra money, and needed an authentic tax deduction, he or she could step forward and donate a couple thousand dollars to help pay for the fire extinguisher chemicals and servicing for such an educational effort.

If someone did that, more than likely, there would be very favorable publicity regarding such a community service – positive advertising that money cannot buy.