Finley Fire Equipment Second

Annual Open House and Vendor Fair

May 23, 2010

Watch for Details

Winter Apparatus Care Tip

When the weatherman is calling for snow, be sure to take extra care when cleaning your departments apparatus. The brine solution (or liquid salt) that is sprayed on the roadways in anticipation of snow, can be very harmful to you rescue vehicles. As you may know, this mixture is very corrosive...in fact it is 3 times more corrosive than the regular rock salt that is also put down. As your fire apparatus responds to calls in these conditions, it is imperative that apparatus be washed on a more frequent basis during the winter months.  Encourage not only to wash the visible parts of the apparatus, but also include wheel wells and wheels, undercarriages, underbody components, pump components, stepping surfaces, pull out steps, and any other components where this brine / salt solution might puddle and lay after they return from an emergency run.  Also, please be sure to open all compartment doors and cylinder compartments and have them well cleaned, as well as the underside of the doors. The slots in between the roll up doors should be washed to not allow this solution to accumulate. By spending a few extra minutes washing your apparatus during the winter months it will not only keep the apparatus looking top shape, but will combat the corrosiveness of the brine and salt solution. 

Some links on our website require Adobe Reader.  You can download Adobe Reader free by clicking the Adobe Logo above.