2008 Woodie Awards
Fire Prevention Week Gives Campus Chance to Exterminate Live Flames
Jen Braaten/Muleskinner
Issue date: 10/5/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Next week, UCM students and staff, with the assistance of a professional, will exterminate a live fire using a fire extinguisher as Fire Prevention Week begins.
The event will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Union Street, between the Student Union and the W.C. Morris Building.
An individual or small group can complete the training in roughly 15 minutes. Participants will actively learn a new how to properly operate a fire extinguisher.
"Most think they can pick it up and spray, but with the proper training, they're amazed how much more productive they can be," said Mike Flores, battalion chief for the Warrensburg Fire Department.
If someone faces a fire emergency , they can certainly count on their adrenaline to accelerate, said Scott Ammon, Central Missouri's hazardous materials coordinator. Fear possible coupled with other emotions may hinder thought process,making it difficult to perform even the most routine tasks.
That is why Public Safety, the Warrensburg Fire Department and the Eastern Johnson County Ambulance District will be on-hand Wednesday. They know the importance of educating the public.
Before being sent to use the extinguisher, participants can expect to learn some basic fundamentals about fire. Participants will learn about the five types of fire making them more aware of how to deal with each situation. Another method participants will learn is the P.A.S.S. (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep) method which refers to the acronym participants should retain as they receive instruction. Then comes the chance to execute with a 5-pound extinguisher ,the type found on campus.
"A 5-pound extinguisher might have a 22-second full shot, but you can put out a lot of fire with that if you know what you're doing," Scott Ammon said.
Receiving this type of basic training are could easily prevent the loss of life or property.
"Fire can double every 15 seconds," Ammon said. "Even if a fire is contained to the kitchen, the whole house will suffer smoke damage, and it takes a lot to get the smell out."
Both Ammon and Flores agree fire extinguishers should be kept in the home. Ammon suggests placing one in the kitchen and one in the garage. Flores takes it one step further by saying he has a third extinguisher at his front door. The event is in its second year, with its design stemming from senior Adam Grace. Ammon said 154 people participated last year, and the goal for this year is 250.
The event will be Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Union Street, between the Student Union and the W.C. Morris Building.
An individual or small group can complete the training in roughly 15 minutes. Participants will actively learn a new how to properly operate a fire extinguisher.
"Most think they can pick it up and spray, but with the proper training, they're amazed how much more productive they can be," said Mike Flores, battalion chief for the Warrensburg Fire Department.
If someone faces a fire emergency , they can certainly count on their adrenaline to accelerate, said Scott Ammon, Central Missouri's hazardous materials coordinator. Fear possible coupled with other emotions may hinder thought process,making it difficult to perform even the most routine tasks.
That is why Public Safety, the Warrensburg Fire Department and the Eastern Johnson County Ambulance District will be on-hand Wednesday. They know the importance of educating the public.
Before being sent to use the extinguisher, participants can expect to learn some basic fundamentals about fire. Participants will learn about the five types of fire making them more aware of how to deal with each situation. Another method participants will learn is the P.A.S.S. (pull, aim, squeeze, sweep) method which refers to the acronym participants should retain as they receive instruction. Then comes the chance to execute with a 5-pound extinguisher ,the type found on campus.
"A 5-pound extinguisher might have a 22-second full shot, but you can put out a lot of fire with that if you know what you're doing," Scott Ammon said.
Receiving this type of basic training are could easily prevent the loss of life or property.
"Fire can double every 15 seconds," Ammon said. "Even if a fire is contained to the kitchen, the whole house will suffer smoke damage, and it takes a lot to get the smell out."
Both Ammon and Flores agree fire extinguishers should be kept in the home. Ammon suggests placing one in the kitchen and one in the garage. Flores takes it one step further by saying he has a third extinguisher at his front door. The event is in its second year, with its design stemming from senior Adam Grace. Ammon said 154 people participated last year, and the goal for this year is 250.
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