FiremanRich End of Year (2009) Review

There are those that will say the cup is half full and those that will say the cup is half empty. What is it? Well, I'm a person that always tries, at least for the most part, to look at the cup as half full.

I was given a coffee cup by a Brother Fire Fighter years back as a gift that has the statement "There Are Three Kinds Of People" on one side of it. There's three answers to pick from on the opposite side of the cup.

My Brother Fire Fighter told me when he gave me the cup that I was a person that made things happen while others watched & wondered. They weren't big things as far as I can remember but they were enough that a simple token of appreciation was give by the passing of a coffee cup that I always look upon now as being half full, even when it's empty. ; )

This is pretty much how I look upon the ending of 2009. It's a year that was half full and positive learning from others and passing on even in a small way new things to learn and knowledge to pass on. With the New Year of 2010 upon us I'm sure it will be full of new things to learn as I continue the journey.

I express some additional thoughts and outlooks in my YouTube I did earlier today on the path traveled in 2009....

"One should look at the path they traveled to continued the journey." (?)

Happy New Year! : )

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

The Night Before Christmas

T’was the night before Christmas and all through the house

Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.

When down through the chimney all covered with soot,

Came the “Spirit of Fire”—an ugly galoot.

His eyes glowed like embers, his features were stern,

As he looked all around for something to burn.

What he saw made him grumble, his anger grew higher,

For there wasn’t a thing that would start a good fire.

No door had been blocked by the big Christmas tree;

It stood in the corner leaving passageways free.

The lights that glowed brightly for Betty and Tim

Had been hung with precaution so none touched a limb.

All wiring was new, not a break could be seen,

And water at its base kept the tree nice and green.

The tree had been trimmed by a Mother insistent

That the ornaments used be fire resistant.

And Mother had known the things to avoid,

Like cotton and paper and plan celluloid.

Rock wool, metal icicles, and trinkets of glass

Give life to the tree; it really had class.

And would you believe it, right next to the tree

Was a suitable container for holding debris!

A place to throw wrappers of paper and string

From all of the gifts Santa might bring.

The ugly galoot was so mad he could bust,

As he climbed up the chimney in utter disgust.

For the folks in this home paid close attention

To all the rules of good “FIRE PREVENTION.”

Be Fire Safe To Have A Fun, Enjoyable, Joyous, And

Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Have A Merry And Fire-Safe Christmas

In the U.S. on average, 200 Christmas tree fires occur annually, causing 24 deaths. Many do not realize the hazards associated with a tree that is not properly maintained.

Each year thousands suffer injury, burns, and death due to holiday decorations and carelessness. Trees, lights, ornaments and fireplaces produce extra hazards in our homes at time when the hectic season may distract us from fire safety. Enjoy the holiday season. Here is some fire safety advice to follow for a happy holiday.

During the holidays, when homes are full of combustible items such as holiday decorations and wrapping paper preventive measures must be reinforced. There is nothing more important than providing a safe home for your family.

If you buy a natural, cut tree, check for freshness. Shedding needles are a sign of a dry tree and a serious hazard. Fresh needles won’t break when bent. Once the tree is home, keep it outside until you can decorate it. Cut off the base, one to two inches, and place it in a stable holder. Keep the holder filled with water and keep the tree away from heat.

Place your tree away from heaters and out of the exit ways. Check all lighting for safety. Look for fray or broken areas where wires are exposed. Damaged sets should be thrown out. Do not chance repairing. Keep bulbs from curtains and flammable materials and do not use candles anywhere on the tree.

No more then three sets of lights should be on an extension cord. Overloading cords can start a fire. Keep connections away from the water base and use Underwriters Laboratory (UL) listed cords of the correct size.

Use weather proof OUTDOOR lights and cords outdoors. These sets are for prolong exposure, so take them down as the season is over.

Unplug all lights and blow out candles before leaving the house or going to sleep. Do not use real candles in the windows; use electric ones listed by UL. Keep all ornaments, candles and cords away from children and pets.

Dry trees can burn like a torch and spread the fire. Remove them as soon as large amounts of needles fall.

Do not burn trees, decorations or wrapping papers in your fireplace. Wrappings and evergreens burn rapidly and throw sparks which can set the roof on fire.

Here’s a YouTube message from New York State Fire Administrator Floyd Madison informing all of the importance of keeping a natural tree properly hydrated. This YouTube video also shows how quickly a Christmas tree fire can erupt and develop once started, engulfing a room full of dangerous fire & smoke …

• ALWAYS REMEMBER keep the tree stand secure and filled with water.

• DO NOT place the tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent.

• KEEP open flames away from your tree. Never use candles as decorations.

• ALSO REMEMBER to check and make sure your smoke detector is working and never remove the battery to use for another purpose.

Be Fire Safe To Have A Fun, Enjoyable, Joyous, And Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)

Portable Fire Extinguisher Can Prevent A Fire Tragedy

When a fire starts, it is usually small enough to put out quickly. Having the proper portable fire extinguisher and knowing how and when to use it can be important. When shopping for a portable fire extinguisher for the home, car, vacation cabin, boat, or recreational vehicle here are a few hints on purchasing as well as using a fire extinguisher:

Most fire extinguisher operate this way:

1. Pull the locking pin.
2. Aim at the base of the flames or fire.
3. Squeeze the handle.
4. Sweep back and forth over the burning area.

P.A.S.S. is an acronym to remember on how to place a portable fire extinguishers into operation quickly. The contents of most portable fire extinguishers last less than 30-60 seconds. Aim carefully.

Portable fire extinguishers are meant to fight small fires (no bigger than a trash can.) Fighting to large a fire can be dangerous.

Whenever a fire occurs, get everyone out first and call the local fire department. Then use your extinguisher if the fire is still small enough.

All portable fire extinguishers are not alike. They are marked with letter(s) indicating the type or “Class” of fire they can put out: “Class A” - ordinary fuels such as wood, cloth, paper, rubber, plastics; “Class B” - flammable liquids like gasoline, kerosene, oil, paint, kitchen grease; “Class C” – electricity: and “Class D” – metals.

Purchase a multi-purpose extinguisher with an “AB” or “ABC” label for home use.

Purchase only those portable fire extinguishers with the Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or Factory Mutual (FM) label. Avoid extinguishers that resemble aerosol cans. These can be dangerous when used.

Check the pressure gauge on your portable fire extinguisher periodically to see if it needs recharging. Look in the phone book for professionals to fill and recharge extinguishers.

Always refill or replace a used portable fire extinguisher immediately. Never put back an empty. An empty extinguisher is dangerous.





(The usual disclaimers: I am not a journalist; This is a blog that expresses an outlook and is not conclusive in any shape or manner.)