Page 21 - Waterfall Issue 8 2021
P. 21

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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