FFPD holds Fire Safety Event for residents
Community members of Florissant had the opportunity to visit Florissant Fire Rescue for training on the use of Fire Extinguishers and Fire Blankets.
Emphasis was on calling 911 to get equipment and personnel responding. Kitchen fires are the most likely to occur and having a fire blanket in the kitchen is something everyone should have. You just pull the straps to release the fire blanket, cover it over the fire and the fire is quickly suffocated before getting out of control. Even children or elderly can handle it. And it can be folded back up and stored until you need it.
Florissant Fire Rescue was able to purchase these blankets at a reduced rate and sold them for $5 each. Toni Moore, coordinator of the event said they sold 160 in the first hour. When the blanket was demonstrated, the crowd was amazed at the efficiency and how quickly the fire was out.
These fire blankets are made from flame-retardant material. Composed of two layers of woven fiberglass fabric and an inner layer of fire-retardant film. It is recommended that people keep them in the kitchen, in the backyard near the grill, and in the vehicle.
The fire blankets are essential tools, but knowing about fire extinguishers is also important and Captain Jordan Moon demonstrated how to use them and allowed members of the crowd to use them properly. He explained that the larger extinguishers need to be recharged or replaced after each use, even if not empty to ensure that there will be enough pressure and suppressant liquid to properly extinguish another fire.
The fire department does not do recharging.
Moon also said that if anyone that had a fire extinguisher to dispose of, they could bring them to the fire department for proper handling.
“We just want people to know that in the event of a fire, they should always call 911 first, but it is important to know what they can do to suppress fires before they get out of hand,” said Moon.
Don Moore throws Fire Blanket over a fire while Capt. Jordan Moon stands by.
Captain Jordan Moon shows participant how to use a Fire Extinguisher.