Page 20 - Waterfall Issue 8 2021
P. 20

Waterfall news






















        A HEALTHy




        REspECT




        FoR FiRE















                                                                                                                  iSTOCK: KILEMAN
        D       espite climate change       One only has to think of incidents    safely out of the house if the fire

                                                                                  looks like it’s out of control.
                bringing us some welcome
                                            where entire homes have been gutted,
                unseasonal rain from time
                to time, it is important to   and consider the unfortunate lack of   3.  Invest in fire extinguishers and
                                            support from the City’s Fire Fighting
                                                                                  make sure that every member of the
        remember that winter on the Highveld   Services with only six fire engines   family and your staff know where
        is usually dry and inhospitable. With   at their disposal, to understand   to find them and how to use them.
        load-shedding an ever-present reality,   why it’s essential to have access to   An ABC Dry Powder Extinguisher
        we have to look for alternatives to   a privately-run fire/rescue service,   is suitable for most home fires,
        keep ourselves warm, to keep the    in addition to being well-informed    designed to combat class A, B, and
        ‘lights on’ at night and to be able to   and trained in firefighting oneself.   C fires – those involving solids,
        cook. Many of the options involve                                         liquids, and gases. Due to their non-
        flames – wood, anthracite, gas,     Here are some important tips to help   conductive nature, they are also
        paraffin and biofuel fires, gas stoves   you improve fire safety in your home:  suitable for fighting electrical fires.
        and ovens, pizza ovens, and candles.   1.  Install smoke detectors on each   4.  Having fire blankets is also a good
                                              level of your home, starting with   idea, as these are handy to use for
        Generally, when we aren’t well        the basement if you have one, and   electrical and cooking oil fires or if
        versed in managing a fire source,     put together a schedule so that you   anyone’s clothing catches alight.
        or we’re distracted, that’s when      remember to test them regularly to   5.  Check that the cords of all your
        house fires get out of control.       make sure that they are all working.   electrical appliances and extension
        According to rescue service experts,   2.  Work out a fire escape plan and   cords are in good condition and
        fires can spread within a matter      make sure that all members of your   aren’t damaged or frayed, as
        of minutes. It is therefore critical   family and staff are thoroughly    damaged electrical wires can spark
        to improve fire safety in your        briefed on what to do if a fire     and set curtains or upholstery
        house and have the appropriate        starts. The most important strategy   alight. Refrain from running
        firefighting equipment on hand.       is to get everyone quickly and      extension cords under carpets


        18  Waterfall Issue 8   2021
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