STUDIED PREPAREDNESS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 49, 25 January 1935, Page 6

STUDIED PREPAREDNESS.

PIKE BRIGADE PRECAUTIONS. Following several grass fires yesterday, the hire Brigade to-day had 1000 feet ot hose hung up to dry at the rear of the station. The drying of hose which has been in use is but one item ot the considerable routine work of the brigade following every call where their services have been required. Immediately a fire engine returns to the station from a call any hose which has been in use is removed and the lockers recharged with a fresh supply from the store-room. The men do not change into fresh clothing until the machine is fully equipped for anotner call. The wet hose is taken to a trough •in the yard at the rear of the station, i thoroughly scrubbed and tested for any leaks by closing one end and turning into it the town water supply, should the water pressure from the mams be considered insufficient for the purpose a pump is brought into play to provide the necessary test. If leaks are round they are marked, and, when the hose has been dried, these are repaired before the liose is returned to the store-room. , , ~ Each morning at 7 o’clock the engines of the machines are run as a test and two hours later tlio benzine supply in each is checked. At 8 p.m. the engines are iignin tested and also the lig.its. Should there be any defect that portion of the brigade s staff responsible for the upkeep of the item showin C r the defect does not retire until the t rouble has been rectified. Ihe constant testing ensures that at all times the brigade’s engines are kept in complete readiness.