Fire tips by EMS

With many fires reported in Protea Glen, EMS has released fire prevention tips.

This after a fire broke out in Protea Glen Extension 11 on Monday.

It is alleged that a toddler started the fire in the backroom without anyone noticing.

Neighbours saw smoke and came to the rescue using buckets and hose pipes to stop the fire.

In order to protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire.

• Fire is fast, in just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.
• Fire is dark, it produces gases that make you disoriented and drowsy instead of being awakened by a fire, you may fall into a deeper sleep. Asphyxiation is the leading cause of fire deaths, exceeding burns by a three- to- one ratio.
• Fire is hot, heat and smoke from fire can be more dangerous than the flames Inhaling the superhot air can sear your lungs.

Fire prevention tips:

The following are the things you can do to protect yourself, family and property in the event of fire:

COOKING SAFETY

• Never leave cooking unattended.
• Always wear short or tight-fitting sleeves when you cook.
• Keep towels, pot holders and curtains away from flames
• Never use the range or oven to heat your home.

ESCAPING THE FIRE

• Have an escape plan. Review escape routes with your family.
• Make sure windows are not nailed or painted shut.
• Teach family members to stay low to the floor, where the air is safer, when escaping from a fire.

MATCHES/LIGHTERS AND SMOKING

• Keep matches/lighters away from children.
• Never smoke in bed or when drowsy or medicated.
• If you must smoke, do it responsibly.

ELECTRICAL WIRING

• Inspect extension cords for frayed or exposed wires or loose plugs
• Make sure outlets have cover plates and no exposed wiring.
• Make sure wiring does not run under rugs, over nails, or across high traffic areas.
• Do not overload extension cords or outlets
• In high-rise, never lock fire exits or doorways, halls or stairways. Never prop stairway or other fire doors open.

AFTER A FIRE

• Once you are out of the building, STAY OUT! Do not go back inside for any reason.
• If you are with a burn victim or are a burn victim yourself call 911, cool and cover your burns until emergency units arrive.
• If you are a tenant contact the landlord.
• Tell the fire department if you know of anyone trapped in the building.
• Only enter when the fire department tells you it is safe to do so.

Adults are urged to always supervise children to avoid more fire breakages.

@thobie4me