AboutDominick G. Kasmauskas Expertise Former NFPA Fire Service Section, Director, Executive Board. NJ Certified Firefighter, Fire Instructor, Fire Inspector, Haz Mat Instructor. Volunteer Firefighter since 1974, Capt. Lieut. and President. National Fire Academy Fire Officer II certified. Presently a Regional Manager for the Natl Fire Sprinkler Assn and a certified fire protection specialist and a certified code enforcement official in NY State.
Experience Various awards and citations.
My oddest "call" was at my company picnic, in a remote area, when someone at the picnic had heart failure. While trying to perform CPR I was also giving directions to ALS and BLS to get to the scene.
Every alarm is an accomplishment.
Question When I was seven years old the house across the street from me caught on fire, it was totally destroyed, and a man died. Since then I have had a fear of fire and I try to do everything possible to keep our house safe. I actually have two questions. One is about a coaxial cable that runs underneath our rug. My son connected two cable televisions with it and it gets just a little bit of foot traffic every day. I know that extension cords should not be run under rugs but what about this TV cable? Is it safe? Could it cause a fire? My second question is about my fire extinguishers. I have five of them in various locations in our house. They fortunately have not had to be used and I have had them for quite some time now. Will they still work if needed? And is there any way I can check them? Thank you
Answer Carol~
Thanks for contacting us with these great questions.
I am not aware of coax cable having enough energy to alone start a fire. My number one concern is the tripping hazard it may create.
But back to the fire possibility...considering a lightening strike, it may be possible that having the cable under the rug could be a scenario to start a fire. As a parent, err on the side of safety.
Fire extinguishers are maintained using a document called NFPA 10. There are guidelines for inspecting, testing, and maintaining.
As a homeowner, I would have a professional fire extinguisher company give their opinion over the phone. How old, what size, what type etc. is what they will need before you call.
If they are the small 2-1/2 lb or 5 lb extinguishers, it may be worth just recycling if you can, donate to an FD to train with, or tossing in trash (turn upside down, pull pin, aim away from anyone, press lever, and release pressure before throwing away).
When you have newer extinguishers (under 5 years old)...Monthly; check hose, check pressure as a minimum. Also monthly, if a dry chem extinguisher, turn upside down to loosen powder inside (you'll feel the weight of the extinguisher shift when you do this). If you obtain new extinguishers (or even the ones you have) there should be manufacturer's recommendations on care and use.
hope this helps and feel free to contact us again for further info.
