CERT Training: Do You Know How to Use a Fire Extinguisher?

Nashua's inaugural Community Emergency Response Team training courses are winding down, and after the May 4 testing day about 50 Nashua citizens will be certified members of Nashua's CERT team, ready to help should there be an emergency.

Participants chose between a six-week session at  or an intensive three-week version held at the Lake Street Fire Station, both culminating next weekend's joint hands-on training session.

I stopped by Daniel Webster College for the April 27 fire safety class and captured some video of the classroom session under the direction of Nashua Fire Lt. Scott Carrigan, who is a senior instructor at the New Hampshire Fire Academy and an adjunct professor at Lakes Region Community College. After the 90-minute class, there was some fire extinguisher training in the courtyard, [see the video uploaded here] to get a sense of the program.

Nashua's Emergency Management Director Justin Kates is hoping to organize another class for the fall, so anyone interested should let him know as soon as possible at katesj@nashuanh.gov.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, more than 3,500 Americans die each year in fires and approximately 18,300 are injured. The agency says that even though a fire extinguisher in the hands of a trained adult can save lives, a majority do not know how to use them.

My take away from sitting in on the 90-minutes of fire training was an acronym to remember when using a fire extinguisher – something I've never actually had to do in my entire life.

PASS - Pull the pin; Aim the extinguisher; Squeeze the handle; Sweep from side to side. It's a good piece of information to tuck away!