(VIDEO) Fire Safety: How to use a fire extinguisher

Following several house fires in the last few months in and around Polokwane, Review approached Polokwane Fire Department Division officer in training, Theo Vermaak to enquire on the correct use of a portable fire extinguisher.  “This knowledge can help save your love ones and/or your property,” says Vermaak. For more information contact the Polokwane Fire Department Training Centre on 0152902639 or 0815822112.

Arrive Alive offers the following advice in preventing fire at home / Do’s and don’ts

• DO buy a small fire extinguisher from a reputable dealer to keep in your home – note the correct way to use it
• DO familiarize yourself with emergency numbers in the event of a fire and medical emergency
• DO take note of warnings on selected appliances – do not cover heaters
• DO check electrical cables regularly for damage
• DON’T leave the room where a candle is burning, heater is on, fire in the fire place is still burning fiercely, oil is on heat atop the stove etc.
• DON’T pack personal belongings before leaving the house in the event of a fire
• DON’T try and put an oil fire in the kitchen out with water
• DON’T open a closed door of a room suspected to be on fire.
• DON’T enter a room that is on fire
• DON’T re-enter the home once you have exited away from the fire
• DO stay low to the ground when exiting a smoke filled room. Smoke will rise and staying low will minimise the potential for inhalation injuries.
• DO cover your nose and mouth with a (moist) cloth. This also minimises the inhalation of smoke by breathing through a barrier.
• DO exit the burning building as soon and as safely as possible.
• DO extinguish cigarettes/Cigars and Pipe Tobacco in the appropriate manor