I have to have monthly fire drills at work for my clients

I used to work at a community college and we faced the same problem with my staff. They knew how to evacuate but no one knew how to use the fire extinguishers. My boss decided that, since we were responsible for several million dollars worth of computer and network equipment in multiple locations that could possibly be saved from ruin by a well aimed fire extinguisher, it would be a good idea if we all learn how to properly use one. She arranged for our department to receive training...and other departments followed suit. I don't know if I would have wanted to practice on a trial fire though.

hi gardengerty you bring up a great discussion. I wonder about here, I have not seen a fire extinguisher around here but of course I was not'looking,I think it is strange that they have never had a fire'drill since I have been here. even in the library they had them ocassionally just to be sure everything was up to par. I am going to have to snoop around in the halls . its the law so they must be around somewhere. not a good thing to think about if they dont.

I make sure we have a fire drill at our house too. Everybody knows the drill: kids and adults get out of the house and go stand by this one tree (in the yard) so that the fire dept, as well as us, knows if everybody is out of the house. Last year our drill actually had to be put to use. My grandson was only 5, and he remembered to go straight to the tree and wait out of the way. My washing machine motor froze and filled the house with thick black smoke. All the fire alarms were going off, and we couldn't figure out exactly where it was coming from. On the assumption that where there's smoke there is usually fire, my daughter dialed 911. Our house is well known in the area, so we had a total turn-out from the fire dept, rescue squad, and all the local cops lol. I was embarrassed to find it was only the washing machine, but hey, you never know, and it did smell like wood smoke back there (this is an OLD house!!) So, for us, fire drills paid off as everybody knew exactly what to do, and where to go so we could account for every person.

Actually I think this is a Smart thing for sure, as so many people do not know how to properly use one, and it could save a lot of time and $$ and possibly lives if more people who owned them knew how to properly use them as well. Personally I think that anywhere there are a lot of people around that every where have these, and people know how to use them in case of Emergency. And maybe make it to where you have Training classes to teach and train some of the others on what to do as well. Trial Fires could be a Good idea if they were maybe ran by a Fire department and controlled. Then that could make sure everyone was properly trained for sure. Maybe somehow this is an idea more places can consider?

Why not ring your local fire brigade and see if they will come and do a training session with you.

I have never learned. I am sure I could figure out but to have some experience would be nice before an actual fire.

When I worked as a manager in a fast food chain, we were trained to check if our fire extinguishers were charged or not, lest be fined once city fire code inspectors swoop down on us and check if we are compliant or not. One trick that has been taught to us is to tilt the fire extinguisher so that the compound for putting out fires does not settle at the bottom of the extinguisher. It was also part of my rounds to check on the extinguisher and have them replaced or charged once they fall below the gauge. Of all the fire drills that I could not stand was the one done in one of the offices that I used to work about four years ago. Now my office is in the 27th floor and we were required by the management and building administrators to use the fire exit and stairs to exit the building during this drill. I mean, c'mon for heavens' sake! I have to walk 27 floors down just to be compliant!

Wow. I'm glad you knew something about it. We have a fire extinguisher here at my home also but I have never had to use it, thank God. I think I remember how to though from what I was shown at work also.

The fire fighters have practice fires, don't they? Yes, it would be good if we could also!

That's a very good policy to have and could very well save lives. How do you recharge a fire extinguisher, anyway? I have one that needs it here at home.

I have an annoying tendency to let my husband deal with things I am not interested in and I admit that charging fire extinguishers is one of those things. I should open my mouth and have him show me. You never know when you might need to know!

You should plan a trash can fire and see what happens, of course you would have to explain yourself and your actions but think of the scared faces and wet pants due to those youngins freaking out about a real fire.

Oh, so this may be why you know how to use it. It's great that you teach others how to use it as well. Would have loved to be one of your students.^_^

This policy is very good,can save people's lives.

I said in an earlier discussion that I had worked for a company that cleaned up after fires. We once watched a movie from start to finish. it was a staged fire in a normal size house. Within 5 minutes of the first spark the entire house was engulfed in flames, that is some scary stuff. We all should know fire safety. Most fires are preventable, and with early warnings you can get out alive and with a fire extingusher can sometimes put the fire out before it becomes an inferno.

That is such a smart thing to do. I know we never did at the grocery store that I worked at, and I was there for 18 years. I am glad you are being safety conscious.

When I worked at a retirement community, every October the fire department and the fire extinguisher company came out to make sure everyone knew how to use the extinguisher. This was a mandatory test and you had to get a slip signed and put in your employment folder.

Start a small fire in the parking lot. Then you can take turns putting it out. Hands-on teaching is always a good thing. Ask the local fire department to come and do a demonstration for your employees.

That was a good idea to make sure your staff knows how to make sure a fire extinguisher is fully charged. Maybe contact the fire department on finding out about practicing on a trial fire like they do. Maybe they have a house that they are going to practice on and can train you and your staff on the best way to put it out using an extinguisher. Can't hurt to ask.

WOW...GOOD WoRK, there dear GardenGerty...what a wise owl you are, as I so concur with being prepared! I don't know what the circumstances are, where you live, but here on my Island, we only have volounteer (extremely well trained, with all courses up-to-date, and Fire Chief a retired City Chief)...but you could go to them, and they would gladly give you, your staff the practical that you would need.Is it possible to go to your Fire Dept! They have practice sessions here every Monday nite, and the Public, most often, is welcome! Cheers!