Page 12 - Waterfall_Issue 7_2022

Waterfall News

extinguisher, but often people don’t What should every house have before an emergency happens. Ask
know how to use it. If you direct the in terms of fire prevention? questions. Have these discussions
powder into the oil, the oil could Smoke detectors and a fire blanket at home and in your office.
splash out and spread the fire. Even inside the house, and a 1.5kg dry
if you have managed to extinguish powder fire extinguisher in the garage. Are there any costs involved when
the fire on the stove, call Fire Ops. The door between the house and Fire Ops extinguishes a fire?
The fire may be out but not cold. garage is usually a fire door, so each Waterfall pays us a premium for the
Sometimes the hot air can get into area is protected. Keep a hose pipe protection we give. Still, home and
the ceiling void and may flare-up. connected to the garden tap; this is building owners will be billed after
useful for refilling the fire engines. a fire operation. It can be anywhere
If you have an electrical short circuit, between R6 500 to R20 000, sometimes
get to the DB board and trip the In multi-level buildings, we even higher. It depends on the size
power. This usually trips on its own recommend having a rescue fold-up of the building and the construction
in a modern home. Then leave the ladder or rope ladder on the top floor materials. It also depends on the time
house, shut the door and call Fire Ops. with the knowledge of how to use it. scale. Then, the bill goes straight to
You’ll be able to think clearer outside the insurance broker. We give them
on the lawn than inside in the smoke. What is the number one mistake a comprehensive report, including
Smoke is dangerous. Always confirm when handling a fire? drone pictures. Insurance then pays
that everyone is out. If we know Opening doors and breaking windows. the home or building owner, who
everyone is out, we can start firefighting A fire must be compartmentalised so pays us. Every bonded property has
immediately. If we are unsure, we need we can put it out in the room of origin. insurance, and each policy has fire
to search and rescue first. Also, if we coverage. In the five years of the
put water into a building, the smoke Important advice? company’s existence, we have never
turns to steam, which can be even more Be vigilant. Know how to contact had an issue with an insurance claim.
dangerous for anyone still inside. emergency services. Know which
emergency contact you need for all In conclusion, it is an honour to look
The most important thing to traumas and have all the relevant after life, limb and assets on Waterfall.
remember? Evacuate and information on hand. Feel free to Our crew is on standby 24/7 in case
close the door. practise on our app. Know your exits, of any emergency and we are proud
and get to know all the procedures to be your community fire service.

For more information, email: management@fireopssa.co.za, or visit: www.fireopssa.co.za

10 Waterfall Issue 7 2022