We made it to the other side of fire season. In fact, the recent rainfall has helped to alleviate the drought in most parts of California, putting us in good place for the fall. But just because we might not be putting out fires in the near future does not mean we can completely neglect our fire hoses and other fire equipment. This blog post will teach you the basics of maintenance and proper care.
How to store fire hoses
The most important thing to keep in mind when storing hoses is to avoid kinking. Kinking is what happens when a hose becomes bent or twisted in deep creases, which can affect the flow of liquids and can even lead to leaks from your hose.
A hose rack can prevent kinking. These racks are specifically designed to hold and store hoses –– if you try hang up your hose in some other way, you risk causing damage.
The importance of reels
Racks are not the only important item in the maintenance of hoses: reels matter, too. A fire hose reel is a type of spindle that allows you to easily access and use your hose. This is particularly important because time is of the essence when you’re putting out a fire –– you want to move as efficiently as possible. In addition to facilitating use of your hose, a reel can serve protective and storage functions.
Why does SoCal get so many fires?
For a long time now, almost since the beginning of times, fires have been a natural fact of Southern California. In recent years, however, the region has seen some of the worst outbursts recorded in recent times — the Dixie fire in 2021, for example, burned 1 million acres by itself.
The main reason behind these fires is the extreme drought afflicting the area. The drought is sucking up moisture from plants and trees, making them highly flammable and susceptible to fires. Increases in temperature also allow the fires to spread easily and burn longer.
Where can I find quality racks and reels?
Without a doubt, ASJ Industrial Hose and Fittings is your best option. They have been in the industry since 1982, providing goods and services for more than 40 years and growing into a 24,000 square foot facility in Corona, CA. In addition to racks and reels, they also offer hoses, clamps, fittings, valves and much, much more. Call someone from their office today and hear what they have to say: (951) 735-1351.