Posted on Tue, Feb 23, 2010
If you already have a fire extinguisher in your home and work place, that's great, but you're only halfway there. Below are some tips to make sure your fire extinguisher is the appropriate type for you, and in good repair if you ever need it. Once you've determined what type of features you need, product reviews can help you decide among the different models.
1) Does your fire extinguisher have the correct rating?
Look for a multipurpose fire extinguisher that is rated ABC. This will work for almost any type of fire from ordinary combustibles like wood or clothing (Type A) to flammable liquids like grease (Type B) to electrical fires (Type C).
2) Is your fire extinguisher a reasonable size?
An 8 pound fire extinguisher is recommended. This is light enough for anyone to use, but still has a good capacity.
3) Does your fire extinguisher have a metal handle?
Plastic handles are not recommended for the simple reason that they can't be recharged or serviced. Since fire extinguishers can lose pressure or become less effective over time years, you'll need to buy a new one instead of getting yours serviced. Paying a little extra for an extinguisher with a metal handle will save you money in the long-run.
4) Does your fire extinguisher have a hose attached?
The range of your fire extinguisher will be greater if you buy one with a hose attached. In a pinch one, with just a nozzle will do, but one with a hose is much more versatile.
5) Is your fire extinguisher still good?
Anytime you use your fire extinguisher, even if you don't use all of the agent, it must be serviced. You should have your fire extinguisher serviced every two years at a minimum. In addition, check the pressure gauge and give the unit a good shake every month. If the pressure has dropped below the maximum level or the agent inside is no longer loose, you'll need to take it in for service.
From: Buzzillions.com
Posted on Mon, Feb 08, 2010
In some cases, Toyota drivers may have been involved in accidents caused or influenced by stuck accelerators. In light of the recently announced recall of certain models of Toyota vehicles for unintended acceleration, the Division of Insurance is issuing this consumer alert to drivers who may have received an at-fault determination as a result of the accident.
Expansion of At-Fault Accident Appeals
The Division will expand the appeal process for drivers of recalled Toyotas who have been penalized by an at-fault determination from their insurance company after the incident. Specifically, at-fault determination appeals will be allowed in the following circumstances:
Rehearings Based on Past Appeals
Any driver that has received a Toyota recall notice and who was involved in an accident involving a recalled vehicle that resulted in an at-fault determination and who had a hearing before the Board of Appeals in which the insurer's determination was upheld, may file a request for a re-hearing.
New Appeals
Any driver that has received a Toyota recall notice and who was involved in an accident involving a recalled vehicle that resulted in an at-fault determination, may file for an appeal before the Board of Appeals, if one has not been previously filed.
Appeals Must be Filed Within 60 Days
The request for re-hearing or new appeal must be filed within 60 days from the notice of the recall or from the date of this alert, whichever is later. A copy of the Recall Notice must accompany all requests for appeals and re-hearings. The appeal request must include the appropriate Surcharge Appeal Notice from the driver's insurance company. If the driver no longer has this notice, we urge him to contact his insurance company immediately to obtain a copy. The appeal request also must be accompanied by the requisite $50.00 filing fee if an appeal on this determination has not been previously filed. An additional filing fee is not required if the request is for a re-hearing.
Expanded Hearings Limited to Unintended Acceleration Issue
The driver will be required to demonstrate that the vehicle involved in the accident is one of the models and types recalled by Toyota and that the accident was related to the acceleration problem outlined in the recall notice. All hearing determinations will be made on a case-by-case basis. While the recent recall was issued by Toyota, it covers several Lexus models as well the Pontiac Vibe. Drivers must show that the accident in question involved a vehicle covered by the Toyota recall notice.
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