 |
Royal
Grenada
Police Force |
|
|
Clarior-e-Tenebris |
Fire Prevention
General
Precautions
There are countless causes for fires, which occur in
the home. The following are
some preventive measures, which can contribute to avoiding fires in your
home 1.
NEVER leave children alone in the house especially at
nights. 2.
Make sure ashtrays are stable and designed to securely hold a
burning cigarette. Make sure
all cigarettes are out before emptying ash ashtray 3.
DO NOT smoke when your are sleepy 4.
Check for faulty electrical wires. Electrical fires may smolder for days behind walls before
erupting into a fire 5.
Check cords for worn or frayed plug connections.
DO NOT overload outlets. 6.
DO NOT store gasoline or other flammable liquids in your
house. 7.
Check all electrical equipment (stereo, television, etc.) to be
sure they are functioning properly. All
of these require ventilation or else they could overheat, possibly
resulting in a fire. 8.
DO NOT leave matches within –at children’s reach. 9.
DO NOT allow children to have any dealings with
lighted candles. 10.
DO NOT leave lighted candles unattended in the house. 11.
DO NOT have curtains blowing near lighted candles or
an open flame. 12.
DO NOT leave food cooking, unattended in a house.
If you must leave, TURN OFF the stove. The kitchen is a common room
in the house for fires, especially electrical, because of the number of
appliances located there. It
is also an area in the house which poses some of the greatest dangers to
young children, i.e. hot burners, scalding water and electric shock. The following is a list of recommended precautions which
could avoid a fire or accident in the kitchen: 1.
Avoid letting grease accumulate I any part of the oven.
A greasy broiler can ignite even during preheating. 2.
Never leave cooking oil on the stove unattended.
A fame can ignite in just seconds. 3.
Avoid the use of extension cords whenever possible.
However, if you must, be sure to limit the number of cords in one
outlet. Many cords going to
one outlet can cause overheating and result in sparks.
Be sure to use a proper gauge extension cord, especially with high
wattage appliances. Have all
frayed and broken cords professionally repaired.
DO NOT attempt to repair them yourself with electrical tape. 4.
Keep handles of pots and pans turned inward on the stove.
Should a fire start, the flame will be confined to the stove area.
This precaution will also deter a child from gabbing the handle and
spilling its contents, possibly resulting in a serious burn 5. NEVER wear loose-fitting clothing around the stove. A bathrobe sleeve dangling over a gas burner could result in serious injury. 7
Periodically check all pilot lights and stove burners for leaks.
To check for gas pipe leaks, wipe a soap solution on the pipe.
Bubbles will indicate a leak.
Contact your gas company IMMEDIATELY if you are unable to
locate the leak. Call the
Fire Department. DO NOT
position butane gas tanks near the stove and use copper tubing rather than
flexible rubber hoses 8.
DO NOT put appliances with hot surfaces near materials that
can ignite, such as paper and cloth.
Be sure not to hang curtains, apron or other flammable items near
the stove. 9.
DO NOT store food in cabinets directly over the stove.
Children may be attempted to climb onto the stove to reach the
cabinet. 10.
Always try to limit children’s presence in the kitchen.
Keep a fire extinguisher I the kitchen, preferably near an exit and
out of the reach of children. 11. Never leave pots on fire to be attended by children. Do not allow children to light or extinguished (turn off) stove fires without supervision. Fires which occur in the home often take place during
the night when its occupants are asleep.
You will not smell the smoke and wake up!
It is for this reason that a smoke detectors are crucial in giving
you and your family the extra time necessary to safely escape from a fire.
Smoke detectors should be installed outside bedrooms, inside
bedroom’s and at the top of the stairs.
The following is a list of other suggestions for bedroom fire
safety 1.
Closed doors usually offer some protection against both fire and
smoke from the outside of the room. If
bedroom doors are normally closed at nights, smoke detector locations
within each bedroom should be considered.
A closed bedroom door can keep smoke produced by a fire in the
bedroom from each detector located in the hall. 2.
In a single floor home, the detector should be placed in the
hallway ear the bedrooms. In
a house where bed rooms are upstairs, one detector should be near the top
of the stairs to the bedroom area. The
simplest rule for locating the basic (or only) smoke detector in your home
should be “between the bedrooms and the rest of the house, but closer to
the bedrooms”. Remember, it
is smoke, NOT flames, which is the primary cause of death in a
fire. Of those who die in
fires, 80% are asphyxiated by toxic fumes 3.
Smoke rises! Therefore,
when attempting an escape from a bedroom, be sure to crawl under
it. The entire family should
regularly practice sliding out of bed and crawling to an exit. 4.
If you are awakened by your smoke detector, feel the bedroom door
before opening it to see if it is hot.
If it is, DO NOT attempt an escape through his door.
Instead, you should try to escape from a window.
If this is not possible then a bed sheet or rug should be jammed
into the cracks around he door to prevent smoke from coming in.
Then, wait for help to arrive.
Hang a sheet out a window as a flag to indicate hat your are
trapped. 5.
NEVER smoke in bed. 6.
DO NOT fold or roll an electric blanket.
Heat will build in the wires and ignite the blanket.
Unplug the blanket and lay it flat when not in use. \ MATCHES,
MATCHBOOK Some residential fires begin with a
match dropped into a wastebasket before it is fully extinguished.
Injures can even be caused when matches fragment and throw flaming
particles while being struck. Children lack the knowledge to use matches
responsibly, yet many people leave matches or lighters in purses, on
tables, and in other places where they may be reached by the inquiring
hands of small children. Older
persons, even with decades of experiences, may lack the ability o use
matches carefully. Lighter fluid is highly flammable. Great care should be taken when filling lighter to avoid and
wipe up spills. It is unsafe
to smoke while filling a lighter
1.
Avoid using matches that appear discolored or damaged.
They may have been exposed to dampness, which can make them more
likely to fragment or fall apart when struck. 2.
Close the cover before striking – old, but very good advice. 3.
Strike away from yourself and others.
Flaming particles can fly off of match heads.
Hold the match well away from faces and fabrics 4.
Pay attention! Lighting a match while you’re driving or using
tools or machinery is inviting both accident and fire.
You might not notice a flaming particle dropped from the match head
until it has started a serious fire. 5.
Before you light up, look around. Use your eyes and nose to check for flammable liquids and vapors.
Never smoke or light flame around gasoline, paint thinners, or
other volatile fluids. 6. Be sure it’s out. Hold the match long enough to make sure it’s cold and even then, don’t throw it in the flammable trash. Particularly for those people living in warm, arid regions where bush fires are common, it is wise to consider the flammability of the foliage used in landscaping your property. The following are some plants that are naturally fire-resistant (some containing up to 95% water). v Rose Ice Plant (Drosanthemum Hispidum) v Jelly Beans (Sedum Rubrotinctum) v Trailing (Gazania Uniflora) v Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa Pratensis) v Rye Grass (Lolium) v
White Clover (Trifolium Repens) v
Oleander (Nerium Olender) v
Elephant Bush (Portulacaria Afra Variegata) v
Bluechalksticks (Senecio Serpens) v
Common Liaac (Syringa Vulgaris) v
Gum Trees (Eucalyptus) v
Carob (Ceratonia Siliqua) v
California Pepper (Schinus Molle) v
California Laurel (Umbellularia Californica) v
Cottonwood (Populus Deltoides) For fire-safety purposes, it is wise to plant
shrubbery far enough away from your house so that a burning bush will not
ignite the building (approximately 25 feet).
Likewise, trees planted t least 15-20 feet apart could prevent a
chain of fire from developing if one of the trees happens to ignite. At the very least, keep your yard neatly chopped and clean of old materials that may readily ignite. During the year 1999 the Grenada Fire Department responded to 90 rubbish/bush fires.
April to June are the hot months or the time when farmers prepare their lands for planting in the rainy season. It is during this time that the Fire Department responds to a great number of bush fires which occur because of carelessness on the part of farmers. When bush fires occur, they destroy crops, fertile soil, cause erosion, destroy wind breaks, property and lives. v
Do not burn in the late afternoon. v
Do not set fire and depart form the scene. v
Always burn in small batches or heaps. v
Burn in the center of the lands. v
Have an idea of the wind direction (by placing piece of
cloth or paper on a stick you will get an idea) v
Inform your neighbour of your intention to burn, inform the
Fire Department v
Always have a hose or container with water at your reach for
emergency. v Avoid smoking and discarding your cigarettes butts without care, remember the majority of fires are caused by our irresponsibility (carelessness). TYPES OF EXTINGUISHERS There are various types of fire extinguisher designed to fight the three major classes of residential fires. v ABC Multipurpose - Dry Chemical extinguisher v Class A - Water Extinguisher v Class B & C - Carbon Dioxide Extinguisher A Multi-purpose ABC extinguisher puts outmost types of fires. It is recommended that each household have at least one. You can also buy extinguishers designed for special purposes. These are labeled (A) for fires in paper, wood, or cloth; (B) for flammable liquid fires; (C) energized electrical fires. NEVER use water on Class B or C fires. Discuss your needs with your dealer. For instance, you may want an extinguisher in the kitchen and one in the garage/workshop areas of your home. Buy an extinguisher you can lift and handle easily. TO
FIGHT OR NOT TO FIGHT
Research indicates that the average family will have one fire in every generation serious enough to call the fire department. How you react to an emergency can determine whether your house burns down or you or a family member is hurt or killed. Will you take careful, life-saving action or do the wrong thing and make the fire worse? Here’s how to improve your chances to stay safe from fire: 1. The fire is spreading beyond the spot where it started. 2. The fire could block your exit. 3. You are not too sure how your extinguisher works YES.
Use Your Extinguisher. 1. You have called the fire department first. 2. The fire is small (confined to its origin in a mattress, wastebasket, cushion, or small appliance, etc.) 3. You can fight it with your back to an exit. 4. Your extinguisher is in working order and you know how to use it. 5. know enough to get out fast if your effort is failing FIRE DRILLS AND ESCAPE PLANNINGFire drills at home are the best type of preparation.
This way everyone knows what actions to take and what exits to use
in the event of a fire. When
organizing your drills be
sure to do the following: 1.
Draw a floor plan of your home with at least two exits from each
rooms outlined. Be sure to
draw each floor and put in all doors and windows 2.
Go over all the information necessary for reporting a fire over the
phone. Be sure children know
their street name and number. 3.
Establish a set meeting spot outside of the house.
This will prevent someone from re-entering a burning house in each
of a person who has already safely escaped.
Be sure your meeting spot will not interfere with the arrival of
the firefighters. 4. Practice drills over and over again until everything goes as planned. Continue to practice drills on a regular basis, at least once every three months. When you move to a new home, be sure to make a new escape plan.
TYPES
OF FIRES AND APPROPRIATE RESPONSES Having the proper
fire extinguishers readily available in the home can aid you I fighting
fire yourself. However, all
fires are not to be treated the same.
An agent successful in extinguishing one class of fire may result
in a towering inferno when used to treat a different class of fire.
Therefore, it is for your own safety that you know the appropriate
responses for the most common, but very different, types of fires which
occur most often in and around the home. ELECTRICAL FIRES
When attempting to
extinguish an electrical fire NEVER use water.
Water may result in more short circuits and fires in new areas.
Water is also an electrical conductor.
If you touch an appliance in contact with water, there is the
danger of electrocution. If a
small electrical appliance catches on fire, follow these procedures. 1.
Switch off the appliance. 2.
Pull out the plug. 3. Smoother the fire with a blanket, multipurpose or Type C (chemical) extinguisher. GASOLINE/OIL FIRES
Like electrical fires, gas and oil fires require
smothering. Use a
multipurpose or Type B extinguisher.
DO NOT use water. Flammables
such as gasoline float and may cause the fire to spread.
If an extinguisher is not available, use baking soda or sand.
In the case of small gas fires, follow these steps. 1.
Shut off the gas supply always. Call the Fire Department. 2.
Smother the fire with a blanket, multipurpose or Type B
extinguisher. 3. Ventilate the area to allow gas to escape.
NEVER enter a room with a cigarette or
lighted match if you smell gas. A
small spark could ignite any gas in the air and cause an explosion. COOKING FIRES
Most cooking fires involve grease which has accumulated in the oven, or oil being heated on a burner. For a fire in the oven, smother by keeping the door closed and /or throw baking soda on the inflamed food. Use the lid or baking soda to smother a fire in a pan. However, DO NOT move the pan. This will only fan the fire and draw up flames. Be sure to NEVER use water on a grease fire. OUTDOOR FIRES
Many localities prohibit the outdoor burning of
trash, wood, leaves, etc. Other
communities require a special permit for outdoor fires and will allow
outdoor burning only during certain times of the year.
Be sure to check with your local fire department to see what the
laws are in your area regarding outdoor fires. If outdoor fires are allow in your area, always be
sure to take the following precautions: 1.
Burn trash and leaves only in a metal trash burner. 2.
Make sure the burner is at least 20 feet away from any structures. 3.
Be sure there is a screen over the burner to prevent sparks from
flying. 4.
NEVER attempt to burn on a windy day. 5.
When burning rubbish in any open bonfire, be sure to have a water
hose readily available, should the fire get out of hand. 6. NEVER BURN cans containing aerosol sprays like Baygon and Bop. The heating of these cans may cause an explosion. There are certain types of clothing that are prone to
catch on fire. Clothing with
loose-fitting sleeves should be avoided when around stove burners,
fireplaces and other open flames. Static
electricity caused by some types of clothing can also ignite gas fumes
causing your clothes to catch fire. Should
you catch fire by either of these or when making an escape from a fire,
follow these procedures immediately: 1.
Smother the fire by wrapping a rug, blanket or coat around you. 2.
If a great portion of your clothing is on fire, roll SLOWLY
on the floor until the fire is extinguished. 3.
Be sure to protect your face by covering it with your hands.
Exception: DO NOT
cover face with handles if shirt sleeves or upper body have caught fire as
it can bring flames to the face. 4. NEVER run if you are on fire. This will only fan the flames and increase the fire. When phoning to report a fire, be sure to speak
clearly and supply the Fire Department with
the address of the location of the fire.
Be sure to be specific and accurate. Also be prepared to provide the fire department with
a brief description of the nature of the fire.
Example “A bush fire in the back yard” or “ A
single family house with flames coming out of the roof”. It is always wise to kept the telephone number of the Fire Department clearly posted by your telephone so that you or your neighbors can quickly find the number when it is needed.
First Degree Burns, including most cases of sunburn, cover only small area of the body and are marked by red skin, but few or no blisters. First degree burns will usually heal rapidly on their own when these procedures are followed: 1. Submerge the burned area in cool water. 2. Apply a sterile gauze or cloth to the burn to prevent infection. NEVER break blisters or pick damaged or healing skin 3. NEVER use ointments (grease, petroleum jelly) or home remedies on these burns. 4. Keep burned arms and legs elevated. Second Degree Burns result from a very deep sunburn, contact with hot liquids, flash burns from gasoline, kerosene, or other flammable products. It is likely the skin will be blistered. Discomfort can be minimized by keeping air from the burned area. Following these instructions: 1. Submerge the wound in cold or iced water. 2. Apply clean cloths that have been wrong out of the iced water. 3. Cover the wound with a wet dressing under plastic NEVER break the blisters, and DO NOT use antiseptic preparations, ointments, sprays or home remedies. 4. Contact medical help as soon as possible. Third Degree Burns result from flames, ignited clothing, contact with hot objects, immersion in scalding water and by electricity. The skin will look white or charred and the tissue damaged will be deeper and more serious than second degree burns. Follow these emergency procedures: 1. Phone IMMEDIATELY for medical help. 2. DO NOT try to remove charred clothing. This will only irritate the wound. 3. Gently cover the wounded area with a dry sterile dressing or clean sheet. 4. If the victim’s hands are burned. Keep them raised higher than his heart. Burned feet or legs should also be elevated. 5. DO NOT apply grease, ointment or other home remedies to the burn. 6. DO NOT allow the victim to walk. TEACHING
CHILDREN ABOUT FIRE SAFETY It is important that children be taught about the importance and dangers of fire at a very early age. Keep in mind that most children are fascinated by fire and are naturally inquisitive, therefore making it very probable that , if given the opportunity, they will at some point try to explore with some sort of flammable substance or object. Children should be taught to respect fire and should be taught some very basic principles which could avoid a crisis. Not To Play With Lighters Or Matches These things are very attractive to youngsters. They are fascinated by the seeming “magic” of a sudden burst of flame from a tiny matchstick or lighter. Help them resist the temptation to play with these dangerous objects by keeping them out of sight and reach. But most importantly, try to instill in them the dangers that playing with these things can pose. Don’t forget that a cigarette lighter in a car can also be an attractive toy to an inquisitive youngster – be careful not to let a child play with it. Not To Play With Or Around Certain Household Objects: Stoves, irons, woodstove, radiators and baseboards or household necessities that could cause serious injuries to children at play. Be sure your children know that these objects are not toys and teach them to assume that they are always hot and therefore should not be touched. NEVER leave a hot iron unattended, even for a minute, if children are around. To Stay Low If There Is Smoke In The House: Teach children to stay low and crawl to safety if they smell smoke. To Feel A Do Children should know how to tell if there are flames on the other side of the closed door. By checking to see that the door is cool before opening it. This could avoid spreading the flames to other rooms. Stop, Drop And Roll Memorizing this saying, is an easy way for children to remember what to do if their clothing catches on fire. They should know not to run in such situation, as this could increase the flames. General Precautions Kitchens Bedrooms Matches match Books Yards Hot dry months Types of extinguishers To fight or not to fight Drills and escape planning Types of fire and appropriate responses If you catch on fire Reporting fires Treating burns Teaching children about fire safety |