Beware Of Falling Air Conditioners!

[x635 4,066]

I'm sure many of us know this, and the many other hazards at a fire scene, but this building reminded me. I saw an A/C fall out of a window right in front of my eyes, but by the time I turned around after photographing something else, it was gone.

Every A/C unit nowadays comes with a cheap plastic window mounting kit. And many people mount them themselves, and often botch the job.

Therefore, they become more of a hazard at a fire scene when the plastic mounts become exposed to even the smallest increase in heat. Some of them are falling out, not even at fires! EMS and PD personell need to be cautious as well, as people lean out the window to "see what's going on", they can easily push the A/C out of the window and onto your head.

[Guest partyrock]

Ahh falling AC, such fond memories. Always watch your head when walking next to buildings. Aside from intentional projectiles, there's a/c, radios, safety bars, it you can think of it, someone will accidentally knock it out a window. On a related note, if there's an AC in your way try pushing it in. When they're installed properly they are much easier to push in than pull out.

[Future Fireman 4]

I remember about 6 or 7 months ago an Ax came out of a window and broke a hose. Like partyrock said, be careful of what's above your head!

Mike

[Guest firediver55]

Couldn't be more true about the AC is easier to push in then pull out. But don't forget, by pushing it in you are also adding another obstruction in front of the window. Unless you are going to enter and move it out of they way before you start your search. As that would be something for a FAST team to consider.JMO.

[Guest]

Some are mounted in vinyl replacement windows. They'll soften and let the unit fall with no warning.

---Too bad we're not playing " what's the address of the building in the picture". ---