Flourtown Fire Company

Volunteers Serving Springfield Township

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Fire Extinguisher Techniques

A portable fire extinguisher can save lives and property by putting out a small fire or containing it until the fire company arrives; but portable extinguishers have limitations. Because fire grows and spreads so rapidly, the number one priority for residents is to get out safely.

Safety Tips: 

  • Use a portable extinguisher when the fire is confined to a small area, such as a wastebasket, and is not growing; everyone has exited the building; someone has called the fire company; and the room is not filled with smoke
  • To operate a fire extinguisher, remember the word PASS

-Pull the pin. Hold the extinguisher with the nozzle pointing away from you, and release the locking mechanism.

–Aim low. Point the extinguisher at the base of the fire.

–Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly.

–Sweep the nozzle from side-to-side.

  • For the home, select a multi-purpose extinguisher that is large enough to put out a small fire
  • Read the instructions that come with the extinguisher and become familiar with its parts and operation before a fire breaks out. Local fire departments or fire equipment distributors offer hands- on fire extinguisher trainings.
  • Install fire extinguishers close to an exit
  • Fire extinguishers are one element of a fire response plan, but the primary element is safe escape. Every household and business should have a fire escape plan and working smoke detectors

Source: NFPA

Information compiled by firefighter Jim Belcher 

Hurricane Irene Hits Area Hard – FFCo Responds

 

Torrential rains, a bit of wind, tornado warnings and more rain, Hurricane Irene which moved into the Delaware Valley on August 27 and 28, 2011 had it all. Flourtown Fire Company responded to several emergency calls including several water rescues of drivers from their vehicles, electrical fires in homes and downed wires. Our neighboring fire company, Barren Hill, in Whitemarsh Township had its hands full with rescues of residents from the western side of the Wissahickon Creek along Stenton Avenue. Meanwhile Flourtown’s water rescue team which was split amongst both Squad 6 and Engine 6 were requested to conduct several searches along the banks of the Wissahickon Creek for several missing residents. It was an unprecedented storm and several members even bedded down at the firehouse for the night on Saturday night, although no one slept very much. Over 6 inches of rain swelled area streams and creek beds and causing flooding throughout Springfield Township.

(Photo by Bob Wilmot, Jr.)