The National Park College (NPC) Health and Safety office hosted a training on severe
weather and disaster preparedness as well as fire extinguisher training. Thomas Gage,
who serves as the emergency preparedness coordinator for Child Care Aware of West
Central Arkansas, presented the session.
Gage provided essential information to follow during and after a potential disaster
and severe weather such as extreme heat, droughts, flooding, fire or other disasters.
While using a fire extinguisher, Gage encouraged the use of the PASS method, pull,
aim, squeeze and sweep. He also noted that there are different types of extinguishers
depending on what type of fire you are battling. Lastly, he suggested checking your
fire extinguisher for any damage or rust to the metal as that could alter the reliability
of the extinguisher, as well as checking for cracks in the hose and checking the pressure
gauge.
