The patriot. [volume] (Indiana, Pa.) 1914-1955, 1919-04-12
Owner Should Have EXtinguiSher
Handy and Keep Close Watch
on Electrical System.
sweep GARAGE FLOOR OFTEN
Gasoline Tank Should Never Be Filled
If There Is Open Flame Near
Go over Connections to Dis
cover Any Leak.

Fire is really the greatest danger
with which the mctOrist has to cope.
Not that automobiles are in the habit
OF catching fire regularly but the fire,
when it does come, is sudden and un-
heraIded. Furthermore the everyday
handling Of gasoline makes one care
less, u warning in itself that Is seldom
Needed. There are so many ways In
which a car can catch fire that it is
the duty of every motorist to see that
all possible steps are taken to prevent
such accidents. A few suggestions
follow that may assist in warding off
the danger.
Keep Fire Extinguisher Ready.
First of all have fire extinguisher
and keep it ready at all times for use.
Many motorists carry them on their
cars and thus reduce their insurance
rates. This is the best practice, but
an extra extinguisher in the garage
is never out of place. The small, COM
pact pump type is advised, as it is the
best for fighting gasoline or oil fires
and can be used safely around cleo
Grical apparatus. Some owners have
an idea that the solution used in these
extinguishers can be used for clean
ing purposes, but it's use for this pur-
pose, even if practicable, is hardly
wise. The extra few drops may mean
a lot should the car catch fire on the
road.
Do not let oily rags or waste lie
around the garage. Keep them in a
metal container and sweep the floor
often. 1t prevents the spread of fire.
Keep the engine clean, especially the
sod pan. See that there is small hole
in it under the carburetOr drip. If
there is none by all means make one.
Keep Flame From Tank.
Never fill the gasoline tank with an
open flame near. Likewise see that
the funnel used makes metallic con-
tact with the tank. 1t has happened
that static electricity generated by
the gasoline flowing through the fun
mel has spanked the tank and caused
a serious explosion. Make sure that
when the tank is located under the
cowl. 1t is we'll to go over all gaso-
line connections occasionally to detect
any leaks.
Install a gasoline shut-off where it
can be readily reached. Some cars
have them in an Out-of-the-way place
that is difficult to reach in an emer-
gency. Always shut off the gasoline
when leaving the car in the garage.
This is even more Important when an
,Open-type coal stove is used for heat
ing the building. Strainer should
also be installed in the feed pipe if
there is none on the car, and sediment
should be removed once a month.
The electrical system should also be
watched and the connections kept
may start fire. When cleaning the
engine with a brush use one with no
metal parts; short circuit caused by
the metal on the br'ISh may ignite the
gasoline used in cleaning.
Should a fire start in the carbureter
smut OIL tue SdSoIlHe anu SldIL LuS Sh
gine, as racing it will soon draw al
the gasoline from the carburetor. Sand
can be thrown at the base of the flame
and when using the eXtinguisher squirt
it through the radiator without raising
the hood.
The last suggestion is not the least
smportant-read this again.