(Kristen said I should share this story. She laughed so hard she was crying. But, Ive always made her laugh when usually no one else laughs at my stories like she does.) I finished NET training this weekend. Its a disaster preparedness program that certifies civilians to be members of Neighborhood Emergency Teams (called CERT in other states). Part of the final field exercise involves using a fire extinguisher to put out a very small, well controlled fire. A bit about my family: were all a little fire-phobic. I was taught to stay far, far away from fire or anything burning. Its also a natural instinct, but whatever. We had to do the fire extinguishing with a back-up buddy holding on to us from behind, the proper way. As I approached the fire per protocol, my buddy kept saying Little closer...little closer but I said back No, I feel the heat on my face! We were told to aim and start squeezing the extinguisher when we could feel the heat on our faces. So I took what I thought was decent aim and squeezed and tried to sweep back and forth at the base of the fire. I used up my entire extinguisher. The fire was still burning. We backed up and a firefighter came to instruct me. He said Youre going to try again. I nodded. Then he asked ARE you left handed? I shook my head no. Then how about you aim with your RIGHT hand? Oh. So I felt a bit sheepish. Apparently my sweeping motion to put out the fire was so out of control it was obvious I am not left handed. As in, there was NO way that could have been my dominant hand, my aim was SO BAD. So I had to approach the fire again, with my buddy Frank (thanks, Frank! You were an excellent partner, seriously) saying little closer... I got closer. I held the extinguisher in my left hand and AIMED the hose with my RIGHT hand. :) I needed a little more guidance to squat down and be even closer, but I finally put out that damn fire. I may not be who you want using the fire extinguisher to save your life and property, but I think I will get better with practice.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 04:50:33 +0000
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