Page 21 - Waterfall Issue 8 2021

or across high traffic zones as and aluminium: Although it for people if they know everyone
they can become damaged over normally takes a lot of heat before is out of the building, and they can
time. You should make sure that these metals will ignite, once they immediately engage in firefighting.
your extension cords can cope are burning, this type of fire is
with the load required by the incredibly dangerous. Only use The team at Waterfall is working
appliances they are connected a Dry Powder fire extinguisher on securing a private firefighting
to – any appliances that provide to extinguish this type of fire. service for the development. This
heat should only be linked to REFRAIN FROM uSING WATER. is currently under discussion with
heavy-duty extension cords and 5. LPG/Gas fire: In case of an LPG fire, various role players including resident
should be disconnected after use. do NOT extinguish the flame if it associations, commercial entities
6. Keep cigarette lighters, matches and is anywhere near the valve. If the and service providers. Considering
firelighters out of reach of children. gas is supplied from a gas cylinder, the lack of council capacity to fight
remove the cylinder from the fires, a specialised service located in
HoW To EXTinGUisH building, keeping the flame away Waterfall will go a long way to protect
DiFFEREnT TypEs oF FiRE from you. If you smell that distinct the lives and property of residents and
1. An electrical fire: The first step is to LPG gas smell in your house, business entities in the event of a fire.
disconnect the appliance from the regardless of whether your gas
power source and switch the power supply is from piped gas or from a For more information or to have your
off at the DB Board. Smother the fire gas cylinder, whatever you do, DO say, contact thys@waterfall.co.za.
with a fire blanket to remove access NOT LIGHT A MATCH OR LIGHTER
to oxygen. Only use a Dry Powder or OR CAuSE ANY TYPE OF SPARKS Sources:
a Carbon Dioxide fire extinguisher IN THE HOuSE. Open all doors https://fireopssa.co.za
that states it is suitable for putting and windows and ventilate well. www.firesafe.co.za/2019/04/17/which-fire-
extinguisher
out electrical fires. DO NOT TRY 6. Wood, paper, most fabrics www.afrox-gas.co.za
TO ExTINGuISH AN ELECTRICAL and some plastics: These are
FIRE WITH WATER. Always make classified as Class A fires, and Whilst every effort has been made to
sure that your appliances are they actually can be put out with ensure the accuracy of this information,
unplugged when you’re not water. However, you can also use readers should seek professional advice
using them – this not only helps a Dry Powder fire extinguisher. when sourcing firefighting equipment
save on electricity, but also, with or employing fire prevention methods.
load-shedding, a power point Should a fire break out at your
that has been inactive for some home in Waterfall, call the estate
time could become active when security team. They will alert the
unchecked and may cause a fire. local fire rescue service and send
2. Grease or cooking oil fire: If the help immediately. Most of the
fire is in a pan on a stovetop, cover estates on Waterfall have at least one
the pan with a metal lid or fire security vehicle equipped with fire
blanket to seal off the oxygen. Turn extinguishers, fire beaters and fire
off the heat source. DO NOT TRY hoses that can be connected to fire
TO ExTINGuISH A GREASE/OIL FIRE hydrants dotted around the estates.
WITH WATER – IT WILL MAKE THE At Balwin developments, each block
SITuATION WORSE. If outdoors, is furthermore equipped with fire
you can throw sand on the fire to extinguishers and fire hoses, with
starve it of oxygen. A Dry Powder one fire hydrant for every six blocks.
fire extinguisher is best suited for
dealing with this type of fire. Make sure everyone, including your
3. Petrol, paint, solvent or paraffin pets, leaves the house immediately.
fire: As with grease or cooking Once everyone is out of the house,
oil fires, you should use a Dry do not allow anyone to go back
Powder fire extinguisher and inside. Wait in the street for the
NEvER TRY TO ExTINGuISH THIS firefighters to arrive, so you can
TYPE OF FIRE WITH WATER. account for all family members.
4. Combustible metals such as This is IMPORTANT as it will save the
titanium, magnesium, lithium firefighters precious time searching

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