The Grants Pass Church is increasing awareness about fire safety. The Grants Pass Fire Department gave hands-on training to more than 30 church and department leaders. Attendees included staff, deacons, safety officers, Dorcas volunteers and even 12-year-old Cody Rush.
Firefighters Casey McIntosh, Tyler Nelson and Josh Ward conducted the training, which included a fire simulation so each attendee could experience extinguishing an actual fire. The firemen taught the group to remember when using a fire extinguisher, they should "PASS" (pull, aim, squeeze and sweep).
McIntosh taught that the fire extinguishers most widely used are the ABC-rated fire extinguishers. These particular fire extinguishers can be used on A-rated fires, which are classified as combustible. Wood, leaves or anything that burns easily start A-rated fires. Liquid fires are classified as B-rated and typically involve oil, gas or propane. The C-rated fires include any electrical fires.
McIntosh also said that most fires start in the kitchen in the middle of the night. He suggested that everyone should have a fire extinguisher in his or her bedroom closet or in a coat closet where it would be easily accessed during a fire. A fire extinguisher is useful in the event of a small fire and to make a way of escape from a burning building; however, it is not intended to put out a large fire.
In any event, if you do have a fire of any kind, you should call the fire department. The fire department will check for any potential for fire hazard. Too often people use an extinguisher and believe the fire is completely out, only to find that the fire is still smoldering and may restart.
It is important to have a fire extinguisher in your home or where you work. Fire extinguishers can be purchased from your local fire extinguisher servicing company, department store or hardware store. Make sure that you read all of the instructions because "some of the extinguishers are [for] one-time use only," explains McIntosh.
Take notice of where the fire extinguishers are in your home, place of work and church. Please contact your local fire department for additional information on how to use a fire extinguisher or how to put out a fire. Remember: Safety is everyone's responsibility.
Gregg Glassel, Grants Pass Church safety officer, with his wife, Starla.
Casey McIntosh, Tyler Nelsen and Josh Ward of the Grants Pass Fire Department provided fire-safety training at the Grants Pass Church.
Casey McIntosh is on hand to help as Cody Rush, 12, learns how to put out a fire.
Bob Napoletano puts out the fire as Casey McIntosh of the Grants Pass Fire Department supervises.
The Grants Pass Fire Department teaches fire safety to the Grants Pass Church.
