FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

Hokitika Guardian, 26 November 1931, Page 8

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK

WHAT TO DO WHEN A FIRE OCCURS.

Despite all precautions that may be taken, lire will occasionally occur, ana it is therefore necessary that- the pm»lio should have in minu what to do in the event of fire.

First of ah, wall regard to those living in town. Delay m calling tne lire ongade is irequentiy the cause of unnecessary fire loss. Tins is wliat m firemen refer to as a “late call/’ ana if the fire lias a. good field wnen luu brigade arrives it is generally difficult, to save the building. Tne first tiling to do wlien so. fire occurs is ? . therefore, to call the brigade. .Every person —even children—should know where the firealarm box is situated nearest to the dwelling or business premises, and the method of calling the brigade, lii most eases this consists of breaking the protecting glass on the iront of the alarm-box, and pressing The button right home. These instructions are on every alarm-box, but instances still occur where persons break the giass but do not press the button. Oil receiving the signal, the brigade goes direct to the box from which' the alarm is given, and if the fire is not visible from this point the person giving the alarm should wait at the box to direct the brigade.

Some towns still rely on the telephone for summoning the brigade, and even where alarm-boxes are installed many calls are given by telephone. Every one should know where to find the fire-station number in the telephone directory (it is on a, yellow page just- inside the cover), and, ..which station to ring if more than one is listed. It is good practice to have this number written up in a prominent place alongside the telephone. It is important to speak slowly and distinctly, and tiie exact location of the fire—name of street and number—should be given. If there is any chance of mistake the' name of the street should be spelled out.

Never hesitate about giving alarm because the fire is only a small one. The brigade would much sooner turn out and find the fire out when they arrive than risk a “lafe call” and find the building well alight. After the alarm is given something may be done to check the fire. First of all close nil windows and doors to eliminate draughts. This is most bn portant, as it helps to confine the fire pending the of the brigade. The electric light and gas should be turned off, as these /help to spread the fire or make figthing it difficult or dangerous. In attacking a fire try to put water or the contents of a fire-extin-guisher on the seat of the fire. If it is a small one it may sometimes be smothered by heavy rugs or wollen materials. Endeavour to confine it by removing any surrounding curtains or other light materials likely to assist it to spread. If a'fire should occur in adjoining or opposite premises, lie careful to keep alb your doors and windows closed and stand by with a few buckets of water ready for use in case the flame or heat should fire any part of your premises.

- With regard to fires in country districts, there is in this case no fire brigade to rely on, and there is the greater need for taking adequate precautions against fire. v • Particular care should be taken to see that the electric installation is in order and that the chimneys are sound. Country householders should think over the question for themselves and decide how they would act in the event of fire from any of the causes outlined above. Fireextinguishers or fire-buckets should always be kept in a convenient place, so that incipient fires can be dealt before they get away. If the premises are supplied by tank-water supply, a large tap should be fitted, so that water is available quickly. It should be realised however, that most country fires result in total loss, and that the important thing to do is to “put the fires out before they occur.”