Day 277 - Fire Extinguisher Training

Scott decided that we should buy new fire extinguishers for the house since they were 10 years old (at least). And allow the kids to use the 10 year old extinguishers as a hands on training exercise.

We do this at work every year, and I have to say, it is a useful exercise. At work, we actually discharge the fire extinguisher at a real fire.

Taken last year - we are trained never to fight a fire past the "incipient" or small stage. This fire is past the incipient stage, in my opinion!

We won't go this far at home, but the training was enlightening to the kids.

First, we check the pressure gauge on the extinguisher. It needs to be in the green area.

Then you pull the pin. And squeeze the trigger.

[I just noticed that Erica is wearing my scarf! That girl!]

Aim at the base of the fire and sweep side to side.

If you've never operated a fire extinguisher, the first time is always a surprise - the pressure causes the cylinder to "kick back" a bit.


But when you get used to it, it can be fun.


And if you are Brian, you really get into it:



I hope they never have to use those things for real.

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61/365 - Last Fire of the Season

Brian lit our last fire log. With temperatures climbing every day (we're supposed to be up to 50 DegF by the weekend!), this will be our last fire of the season.

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338/365 - Light My Fire

After years of burning "real wood", we have succumbed to the convenience of those pre-formed firelogs you can buy at the supermarket. Just easier to store, easier to light and no bugs. As a self-professed pyromaniac, I do prefer real logs, but common sense dictates in today's busy life wins over.

So easy to light - I don't worry about my 10 year old performing the task.


Then he turns on the gas burner underneath to really get the flames going.


And no, they are not allowed to have any fires unless an adult is present and supervising!

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