Just in time for National Home Fire Safety Week (Nov. 24 to 30) the museum received a donation of Liberty Fire Extinguishers dating from around 1900. The fire extinguishers, which oddly enough resemble fireworks tubes, are 56 cm long, made of metal and hold three pounds of dry powder (probably sodium bicarbonate.) Directions for use are simple: “Hang on strong hook. Pull down quickly, thus removing cap. Holding tube firmly, hurl contents forcibly with clubbing motion into base of flames, repeating strokes rapidly. Always strike forcibly, never sprinkle.” Now that the season is here for fireplaces, heaters and Christmas lights and candles, it’s a good time to check your own fire extinguishers and smoke detectors to ensure they’re in good working order and please visit canadasafetycouncil.org for some helpful fire prevention tips. Be safe this season.
