The PASS method is the Effective Use of Fire Extinguishers safest and most effective Fire extinguishers are useful in preventing small fires from becoming larger and way to use a fire more threatening to you and those around you. In order to safely and extinguisher. The acronym successfully eliminate a fire with an extinguisher, there are a few tips and will remind you to: procedures you should follow. Use the PASS Method Pull out the pin on the fire extinguisher. The PASS method is the safest and most effective way to use a fire extinguisher. The acronym will remind you to: Aim low, pointing the nozzle Pull out the pin on the fire extinguisher. at the base of the fire. Aim low, pointing the nozzle at the base of the fire. Squeeze the lever slowly and evenly. Squeeze the lever slowly Sweep the nozzle from side to side. and evenly. Safety First Sweep the nozzle from side Knowing how to use a fire extinguisher is one thing, but it’s also important to to side. know what to do before approaching a fire. • If necessary, alert the fire department or sound the fire alarm. • Always establish an evacuation plan. • Only try to extinguish a fire that is slow growing, small, and giving off minimal heat and smoke. If at any point the fire cannot be controlled or you become frightened, evacuate immediately and wait for the fire department to arrive. DECORATE SAFELY DURING THE HOLIDAYS As the holiday season gets into full swing, many families decorate to spread some cheer and make their homes more festive. While holiday decorations can be fun and beautiful, they can also present fire hazards. To keep your home and family safe this holiday season, consider the following decorating tips. • Plug outside lighting only into a ground fault Here are a few suggestions for your holiday decorating: circuit interrupting (GFCI) outlet, as this will safeguard the outlet from any interaction • Only buy electrical decorations that have a with water. UL rating on the label, which indicates that they have been tested for safe use. • Do not secure outside lights with staples or nails, and avoid placing indoor extension • Follow all installation and usage cords under carpeting, rugs and furniture. instructions for lighting decorations to ensure that you are not increasing your • Unplug lighting decorations before going to chance of starting a fire. bed and leaving the house. • Inspect new and used lights before using • If you set up a Christmas tree, place the tree them and discard any that have cracks, in a sturdy stand at least 3 feet away from exposed wires or loose connections. heat sources. • Do not connect more than three sets of • Only keep your Christmas tree for two lights to an extension cord at one time. weeks, because it will dry out quickly and can become highly flammable. This month Nic will be going through a series on famous failures. The truth is everyone fails. It doesn’t Mikulas, the Hungarian Santa Claus, is Hungary's matter if you are just getting started in this business, version of St. Nicholas. On the Eve of St. Nicholas, starting a new position, or a seasoned veteran, December 5, children leave their newly polished everyone fails. We hope we don’t make the same shoes on the windowsill. Mikulas visits Hungary's mistakes more than once, but all fail just the same. children and fills their boots with items that indicate how good the child has been. Good children get Step 1: Walt Disney sweets or choco late and small gifts, while https://youtu.be/0qDJPfXs5U4 traditionally, bad children got onions, switches, or Step 2: Fenway Park & The Boston Red Sox other undesirable items. H owever, the shoes are https://youtu.be/DW_o7VRQdOM often filled with both desirable and undesirable gifts Step 3: Apple because Hungarians believe that no child is all good https://youtu.be/3fDIR3rg064 or all bad. One typical treat is a chocolate Santa made Step 4: Nic Bittle cheerful with a colorful foil wrapping. Children may https://youtu.be/JwsQ-F4g5Vg also get the traditional Hungarian candy szaloncukor. .