This isn’t my typical post… but then again. I’m random. What exactly IS typical for me?

This is a Before and After of a different kind. A step in the WRONG direction.

My Dad has two homes. He rents out the second house to a wonderful family and they’ve been great tenants. But…………..

…accidents happen…

….moments that we shake our heads at….

…..and wonder how we could let that happen.

We just have to remember…

We’re all human.

So today I’m sharing a story from last week in hopes of us ALL learning from the experience.

The Great Tale of Scorched French Fry Daddy Cuisine

Dad’s tenant was making french fries on the stove. He had a pot of oil heated and was frying away. I think we’ll call him Fry Daddy for the purpose of this story. So Fry Daddy’s cooking away, making up some tasty french fries (man that sounds good right now) when…

Knock. Knock. Knock.

There’s a knock on the front door and Fry Daddy leaves the kitchen to see who’s there. Being the nice, social person he is, Fry Daddy engages in conversation and the next thing you know, he’s standing out front chatter-boxing away.

{ENTER FRY SON STAGE LEFT}

Fry Son smells something odd in the kitchen and comes to investigate.

“EEP! FIRE”

The unattended hot oil has sparked a fire on the stove, sending Fry Son into a tizzy. He yells for Fry Daddy, who of course comes running as fast as his shoe-string-style Fry Daddy legs can take him.

But now what?

“Fire Extinguisher!” thinks Fry Daddy, in a moment of brilliance.

{CUE THE DOOMED MUSIC}

Alas, the fire extinguisher is no where to be found.

Fry Daddy manages to squash  the fire before it rages completely out of control, but the damage is done.

The year-old microwave and stove are melted beyond repair. There is damage to the walls and ceiling. And Fry Daddy’s eye-lashes and eyebrows are singed, complimented by some burns on his arms.

{DISHEARTENING MUSIC FADES AS THE SCREEN GOES BLACK}

Ugh. What a punch to the stomach.  It could have been much worse and we are thankful everyone was okay. The fire was contained quickly thanks to Fry Son being there to yell for his dad.

Thankfully, Fry Daddy and his Fry Family had renter’s insurance that will cover damages and repairs. But still. Lesson learned here ladies and gents.

Do you know where YOUR fire extinguisher is?

• Do you HAVE a fire extinguisher?
• Is it somewhere handy and accessible?
• How old is it?
• When was the last time you checked it?

Truthfully, last week I could have told you where my fire extinguisher is, but I’ve NEVER checked it and I’ve owned it two years. Upon hearing this story, I promptly moved my extinguisher from the basement up to the kitchen. It’s not exactly pretty to look at, but I can tuck it away in a cabinet where it’ll be handy, but out of sight.

First and foremost, I need to have it inspected. Two years is One year too long.  In the process of writing this post, I learned some fire extinguisher safety info I think is important to share:

Check these details during a monthly fire extinguisher inspection:

• Confirm the extinguisher is visible, unobstructed, and in its designated location.
• Verify the locking pin is intact and the tamper seal is unbroken. Examine the extinguisher for obvious physical damage, corrosion, leakage, or clogged nozzle.
• Confirm the pressure gauge or indicator is in the operable range or position, and lift the extinguisher to ensure it is still full.
• Make sure the operating instructions on the nameplate are legible and facing outward.
• Check the last professional service date on the tag. (A licensed fire extinguisher maintenance contractor must have inspected the extinguisher within the past 12 months.)
• Initial and date the back of the tag.

Note: An A-B-C fire extinguisher can be used on all kinds of fires.
(SOURCE)

What’s that? You’re wondering what an A-B-C extinguisher is. So was I! A quick google search later and I learned:

• Class A extinguishers are made for fires involving paper, wood, textiles, and plastics. The material inside smothers the fire, putting it out by cutting off the oxygen that feeds it.
• Class B extinguishers are made for fires involving flammable liquids, such as grease, oil, gasoline, and paint. Two kinds of material are used: one to smother the fire and one to create a chemical reaction that puts it out.
• Class C extinguishers use nonconductive materials to fight fires in live electrical equipment.
  (SOURCE)

From what I understand, most of the fire extinguishers we’ll find in Lowes, Walmart and other similar stores will be A-B-C extinguishers, but I still think it’s important to check the box when purchasing.

…and finally….

Remember the word PASS when using a fire extinguisher.

I think I might print that graphic off and tape it to my extinguisher! Then I’ll have a quick and easy reference. Something tells me I won’t have time to google “how to use a fire extinguisher” if a fire actually hits….

This concludes my Public Safety Message. I hope you all take a moment to step away from your computer and check your fire extinguishers. Fry Family got lucky… and it would break my heart to hear about one of you having a similar fire.

I, for one, will leave the french frying to the professionals. This girl is perfectly content to bake her fries at home!

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