Fire may occur at any time anywhere, so you must take minimum precautions. But how will you come to know which machine will be best to prevent or what precautions you must take? With this blog, we will be highlighting some of the precautions that you can take.
Proper fire safety arrangements and pre-planning in a building before a fire can save many lives. Suppose a fire occurs in your home; how will you save you and your family’s lives? It is totally dependent on you; that is how quickly and safely you can get out. A Fire Protection Contractor in Australia will advise on how to prevent fire and how to protect yourself in the event of a fire.
Smoke detector for early alert
- A smoke alarm, by giving an advance alert call, can give you those precious few minutes that would help you and your family to get out safely.
- These smoke alarms are available in the market and are simple to install.
- Follow the instruction of manufacturers or fire contractors on how to fix and position the alarm.
- There are special devices available for deaf people who use a vibrating pad or flashing light instead of the auditory signal in the smoke alarm. These vibrating pad alarms are particularly used in buildings for deaf and blind people.
Advance Plan Escape Route
- Fire may occur at any time, so you always need to keep your safety first. Thus if you have already planned for your escape route, then it would be easier for you to escape from the fire.
- You must ensure that the planned escape route is free from obstructions and also remember that there are no loose floor coverings which could trip you.
- You may wish to consider having your bedroom on the ground floor if you have any serious mobility difficulties as it will help you to exit fast because your bedroom will be as near as possible to an exit way.
- If you need any assistance to make your escape, you need to have some means of summoning help by your bed, that is, buzzer, intercom, or telephone. There are also some systems available in the market which will automatically dial on your telephone line with the motive of summoning help or send the signal to a staffed control room.
Preventions required in case of fire
- If possible, then close all doors behind the source of the fire as you leave, and it will help you by delaying the spread of fire and smoke.
- Use the back of your hand to touch it before opening a closed door. Don’t open the door; if you feel heat-then think that the fire will be on the other side.
- Get everyone out of the fireplace as quickly as possible. Don’t try to pick up the valuable materials; just make your way out as safely as you can and try not to panic. This process will help you plan your escape route rather than wait until the fire reaches you.
- Clearly state the address of the fire to contact the fire contractor.
- Never go back into the house unless and until a fire officer has told you it is safe to do so.
If you are cut off by fire
- Firstly try to remain calm.
- Close the door and use a towel or bed sheet to block any gaps, which will help stop smoke from spreading into the room if you cannot use the door because of flames or smoke.
- If the room becomes smoky, crawl along the floor, then try to make your way to the window where it is easier to breathe.
- Try to attract the attention of others who can alert the fire protection contractor by opening the window. Then wait for the fire contractors to arrive.
- The fire contractor will arrive in a matter of minutes. You know that your room is not too high from the ground and if you are in immediate danger, then drop cushions or bedding to the ground below to break your fall from the window. If you can, get out feet first before jumping, then lower yourself to the full length of your arms.
How to prevent fires
- Unplug all electrical appliances in your house which are not designed to stay on.
- Make sure that no cigarettes are still burning.
- Before emptying the ashtrays, ensure that the contents are cold.
- Put a guard around open fires.
- Switch off portable room heaters.
- Close the doors of unoccupied rooms.
Do’s
- With the role and responsibilities of all occupants, fire orders should be implemented in the Building.
- You must provide your house with good housekeeping.
- While smoking, use ashtrays and then deposit the smoked butts in them after extinguishing.
- At regular intervals, all bins containing waste should be emptied.
- Electrical appliances, correct rated wire etc., should be used.
- If there is any faulty electrical appliance, it should be repaired/ replaced immediately.
- To correct the rating of the Circuit, electrical safety devices like MB, GCD, Switches, and fuses should conform.
- Under strict supervision, welding/ cutting jobs should be carried out.
- Keep smoke/ fire check doors closed.
- You have to keep means of escape clear of obstructions.
- At regular intervals, evacuation drills should be conducted.
- Impart elementary firefighting training to occupants.
- An emergency organization must be set up.
- At regular intervals, fire safety equipment’s should be maintained and check
Don’ts
- Don’t throw disposed off lighted cigarette ends carelessly anywhere.
- Don’t plug too many electric appliances into one socket.
- Don’t store any Gas cylinders close to sources of open fire.
- Don’t split or apply any paint on Fire Detectors/ Sprinkler Heads.
- Don’t engage unqualified contractors for the servicing of the firefighting system.
- Don’t think which fire safety is others job.
- Don’t relax after hearing a fire/ emergency call.
These are some dos and don’ts that you need to follow in your daily life to prevent fire from spreading.
Visit the website of GrassCAD to know the best ways to hire a fire contractor for guided installation of necessary equipment.
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