November 2016

Fire Extinguisher Safety at Elmwood Manor

We hope you made it through the Thanksgiving weekend without charring your pies or setting off any fire alarms. But with more holidays coming up, we think it’s important to share the locations of fire extinguishers in our community and how to use them. The best way to avoid expensive fire damage (not to mention danger) is, of course, to prevent a blaze from flaring up in the first place. Sometimes, however, accidents happen. The next-best thing to prevention is preparedness.

Fantastic Extinguishers and Where to Find Them

Fire extinguishers can be found in the basement of each building, but knowing where to find a fire extinguisher isn’t enough. We all need to know how to use them. We’re hoping this educational article will help our community to be even more fire-safe.

In case of fire, remember PASS:

Pull the Pin at the top of the extinguisher. The pin releases a locking mechanism and will allow you to discharge the extinguisher.
Aim at the base of the fire, not at the flames. This is important. In order to put out the fire, you must extinguish the fuel.
Squeeze the lever slowly. This will release the extinguishing agent. If the handle is released, the discharge will stop.
Sweep from side to side. Using a sweeping motion, move the fire extinguisher back and forth until the fire is completely out.

Always operate an extinguisher from a safe distance, several feet away, and move towards the fire once it starts to diminish. Be sure to read the instructions on your fire extinguisher, as different models should be operated from different distances.

If you see that a fire extinguisher has expired or been discharged, please call the maintenance office at 585-256-8200 right away, and we will make arrangements to have it recharged or replaced.

A Note About Smoke Detectors

There are 2 smoke detectors in the common areas of each building — one in the basement and one in the hallway on the top floor. Please do not remove the batteries from the smoke alarms. If a smoke alarm is beeping and you think the battery is low, please call the maintenance office at 585-256-8200 to report the problem. A member of the Elmwood Manor maintenance staff will come out to resolve the problem.