Are your home fire safe?
I want to ask you only one question. Is your home safe if a fire should break out? I don’t think so… Ask yourself these questions and if you answer is a negative reply to one of them then your home is NOT fire safe.
- Do I have a fire extinguisher?
- Do I have a evacuation plan?
- Do I know the local fire department’s emergency number?
- Are my electrical wall sockets overloaded?
- Do my family know what to do in a emergency situation?
- Do I have a smoke alarm in my house?
- Do I keep different chemicals in my house or garage?
I thought so… I will give a few tips how you can make your house more fire safe.
- Have a evacuation plan and practice it. Due to the high crime rate, we all try to make our homes as save as possible. To keep the criminals out we make it very difficult even impossible to get out of our own homes in a emergency situation. It is very important to draw up a evacuation plan and implement it a.s.a.p. Practice this plan on a regular basis. This will help you and your family to exit the home quickly and safely. Contact your local fire department for help to draw up a evacuation plan if you don’t know how. At a later stage I will give more information on how to move out of your house.
- Buy a fire extinguisher. A 4.5kg DCP extinguisher will do in a normal house. DCP extinguisher is suitable for Class A, B ans C fires. Make sure the extinguisher is serviced once a year.
- Put emergency numbers next to your telephone. Get the emergency numbers for SAPS, Ambulance and the Fire Department and put it next to your telephone, emergency numbers on your cellphone for easy access (create a system for easy access). Make sure everybody in the house know the numbers and teach children that it is a crime to make false calls.
- Don’t overload wall sockets. I don’t think there is much to say on this topic.
- Get a smoke alarm. Install a smoke alarm in a room nearest to the kitchen and in the passage near the bedrooms. If possible install one in each room of the house.
- If you keep different types of chemicals and flammable liquids in the same place. make sure that these chemicals are stored away from each other, these chemicals may cause a reaction if they do get in contact of each other. Also keep these chemicals and flammable liquids away from the work station ( drill machine, grinder etc).
- Have flashlights ready. If possible have flashlights in each bedroom and make sure it is in working condition (a whistle in each room could also be used to alert other occupants). Most fires occur during night time. It will help you to find your way through the house, even during day time it is almost impossible to see, when a room is filled with smoke.
- Keep lighters, matches etc. away from children. Teach your children that it is dangerous to play with these items by explaining to them what could happen, is better than just to tell them it is dangerous.
- When reporting a emergency. Stay calm, answer all the questions the control room attendant asks you. The questions that they ask is vital to the emergensy services. At night it is difficult to locate houses, stand outside in the street if possible to direct the responders towards the scene. Install your house number that will be visible from the street (illuminated if possible).
- What to do if there is a fire in your house.
- KEEP CALM!!!!!
- Try to put the fire out if it is a small fire using a extinguisher, you can also use water if the fire is not electrical or chemical. If the fire is out of control get out.
- If the fire is big or out of control leave the house immediately. Call the Fire Department from your cell phone or from a neighbor’s phone as soon as you and your family are safe.
- If your clothes catch fire DO NOT run. This could cause the fire to spread more rapidly. Stop, Drop and Roll, meaning to stop and drop to the ground and by protecting your face with your hands roll on the ground till the fire is extinguished.
- When you detect smoke in your house cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth, go on your knees and stay as close to the floor as possible, the smoke will be less at the floor. Smoke is very dangerous and difficult to see trough and breath. Using the left-hand or right-hand rule to get out as fast and safely as possible. The left-hand-right-hand rule? What is this you will ask. Very easy to explain, crawl on your hand and knees to the nearest wall, put your shoulder against the wall and move to the door, by moving away from the fire you will be able to exit the house keeping your left or right shoulder to the wall. If more than one person is in the house make sure that they follow you by crawling behind each other placing one hand on the person’s leg that is in front of you. Try not to move too far away from the wall when moving around obstacles (furniture).
- If the door of a room is closed don’t open it before you are sure that the fire is not on the other side of the door, use the back of your hand to feel for heat, if the door knob is hot then you know that the fire is on the other side, move away from the door and try to escape from the window if not possible use wet towels, curtains or any other material to seal of the door to prevent smoke coming in, phone the fire department. Tell the operator that you are trapped and where you are. Put a light colored cloth on the outside of the window to direct the fire fighters to the room where you are trapped.
- If oil or grease is the cause of a fire in the kitchen use salt or baking soda if you don’t own a fire extinguisher. Do not use baking powder or cake flower. Toss it over the flames to extinguish the fire, if it is safe put a lit on the pot or pan or use a wet cloth to cover.
For more information contact your local Fire Department.
How to use a Fire extinguisher
Before you use a fire extinguisher you need to know what type of extinguisher to use on what type of fire. I will start by explaining the different types of fires:
- Class A: Ordinary combustibles, wood, plastic, rubber, paper
- Class B: Flammable liquids, petrol, diesel, gas, grease
- Class C: Electrical equipment, transformers, computers, household appliances
- Class D: Combustible Metals, Aluminum, magnesium, titanium, zinc
The most common fire extinguisher is the DCP (dry chemical powder). It can be used on Class A, B and C fires. The CO2 extinguisher can be used on Class B and C fires. The Dry Powder extinguisher can only be used on Class D fires, this extinguisher is not that common due to its purpose. Now the question is: How do I identify between the different extinguishers? It is actually easy. On the extinguisher it will tell you if its a CO2 or DCP. The tip of the hose is also different, The CO2 will have a cone shape nozzle while the DCP will have a small nozzle.
DCP Fire Extinguishers
CO2 Fire Extinguishers
Dry Powder Fire Extinguisher
Now that we know what type of extinguisher is for what type of fire, let me explain how to use it. But keep in mind that a fire extinguisher has limits on the size of a fire it will extinguish.
- Take the extinguisher from it’s bracket and shake it a few times then place it on the ground
- Remove the safety pin
- Stand a safe distance from the fire and aim to the base of the flames and press the lever
- Sweep the nozzle from side to side
- After the fire is knocked down you may move closer to achieve final fire extinguishment.
The extinguisher must be refilled and serviced after its been used. Remember all extinguishers must be serviced once a year even if it haven’t been used.
Comment by boendoe — December 3, 2008 @ 12:53 am
Sjoe, Izak, ‘n rukkie nadat ek Zee se possie gelees het, het ons ‘n insident gehad wat my laat besef het mens moet seker maak van al die goed. Dankie vir die inligting!
Comment by Izak — December 3, 2008 @ 7:51 am
Boendoe I’m glad that the info was helpfull. This is my aim of this blog to help people make there homes more safe. If there is any subject you would like to know more of please let me now.
Comment by styles — February 6, 2009 @ 11:56 am
would you please give me info in fire fighters courses
Comment by Izak — February 6, 2009 @ 8:36 pm
Styles with pleasure. If you can let me know in which area you are I could help you with the nearest training centre. Actually there is quit a few courses you can do, but the most important I would say is Fire fighter 1, this is a 12 week course, HAZMAT awareness, this course is 2 weeks, it is quit a tough one, you will learn about hazardous material. Then there is Fire fighter 2 a 4 week course. Lastly there is HAZMAT operational a 2 week course. The fire fighter 1 and 2 course will teach you all about fire fighting techniques and equipment also rescue and rescue equipment. The HAZMAT courses are tough, as I mentioned it is all about hazardous materials. You need to do a BAA course as well before you will be able to get you certificates; BAA is a Basic Ambulance Assistant Course, which will be around 4 to 5 weeks.
Many of the fire departments also give in-house training, like Pump operators course, SCBA (self contained breathing apparatus) course. To become a fire fighter you do need grade 12. I will also suggest going to your nearest fire station and seeing if they do appoint volunteers.
All the best to you, and thanks joining this blog.
Comment by Michael — February 23, 2009 @ 5:25 pm
Hi Izak,
I wonder if you can possibly please provide a bit more info on where I could attend the firefighting courses you mentioned? I am in the Randburg/Roodepoort area.
I am aware of the Brixton training academy, but are there any other institutions offering such courses - such as the technikons - that you would you recommend?
Then also with regard to becoming a volunteer, is some form of fireighting training/qualification a pre-requisite or do they accept unqualified people?
Thank you!
Comment by Izak — February 25, 2009 @ 9:52 am
Hi Michael,
You can phone Pretoria Technicon (not sure what is the new name) and find out what the requirements are. Boksburg also has a traing centre, then also in Boksburg a traing centre called FPA, Fire Protection Association,
some of the courses I mentioned is presented at them plus a few extra.
No you don’t need any qualifications to be a volunteer. All you need to do is to apply at a Fire department, though not all Fire departments take volunteers. But if I’m not mistaken it will change soon, that all Fire stations must have volunteers. You will get in-house training as soon as you are a volunteer, but will mostly be basic fire fighter courses.
Comment by Michael — February 25, 2009 @ 8:14 pm
Thank you Izak, much appreciated!
Comment by Izak — February 25, 2009 @ 8:48 pm
No problem Michael. Keep me up to date on your success.
Comment by Roger — April 6, 2009 @ 10:04 am
Good day
What are the requirements should I want to become a fire fighter trainer? What training is provided for this and by whom?
Please advise.
Regards
Roger
Comment by Izak — April 13, 2009 @ 8:31 pm
Hey Roger,
You need to have grade 12. The best will be, is to go to your nearest fire department and find out from them where they are sending there personnel for training, that is fire fighter 1 and 2, most of the fire departments do have in-house training on smaller courses.
If you can provide me with more info, where you are living, town prov. then I will be able to give you more info.
Thanks
Izak
Comment by Torch Lighters & Gun Lighters — May 4, 2009 @ 7:13 pm
In recent news they say that the Lighters that look like toys and have been implicated in numerous house fires over the years will soon be banned from being sold in the state under a measure signed by Gov. Chris Gregoire. Under the new law, any lighter that has flashing lights, makes musical sounds, or could be mistaken as a toy is banned. Disposable lighters with decals and artwork are exempt.
Comment by Izak — May 6, 2009 @ 10:06 pm
Thanks for the info. Hope our government will do the same.
Comment by JaneRadriges — June 14, 2009 @ 3:04 am
Hi, very nice post. I have been wonder’n bout this issue,so thanks for posting
Comment by Izak — June 22, 2009 @ 3:43 pm
Jane its my pleasure
Comment by Tim — July 2, 2009 @ 8:50 pm
Hi, looking on more info on becoming a fire fighter as a career, have a lot of experience in fighting veld and grass fires etc.
Comment by Izak — July 3, 2009 @ 10:09 am
hey Tim, well the best will be to go to your nearest fire dept. and apply there, they will send you courses. Good luck
Comment by ruvania — July 7, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
Good day,
i have been googling so many sites to try and get some solid info on becoming a firefighter but to no avail. Thing is i have taken alot of time to think about what i want to do and my mind is set on firfighting, i want to help people in need and i want to do this not as “just a job” but as a career.
I am in the Randburg area. How do i get in? i am 22 yrs old and come from a totally different field of work and i want to finally go to where my passion leads me..I have matric but no qualifications in fire fighting. please can you help me? i have tried the contact numbers i have found on the internet for the randburg fire department but the line is always very busy.
i do not want to waste my time in fields i am not happy in anymore, i want to get into firefighting as soon as possible, how long does the process usually take?
Thanks
Ruvania
Comment by Izak — July 10, 2009 @ 12:43 pm
Hey Ruvania,
To be honest, it’s a tough to get into the Fire department, because of so little vacant positions. You need matric a code C or EC license. It will help a lot if you can do some fire fighting courses and a Basic Ambulance Assistant course, just to improve your chances. Most of the councils advertise in the Soweto, City Press, Beeld and your local news paper. As I mentioned before Boksburg, Brixton, Rustenburg, SASOL Secunda and some other places do have training centers. I’m glad to see that its your passion to be a fire fighter, its not a job it’s a calling. Most of the fire departments will conduct a fitness test before the interviews.
All the best to you
Comment by TimFynn — July 19, 2009 @ 10:08 am
Hi Izak,
Once I’ve done my Firefighter 1 and 2 and BAA, which I’ve registered for at accredited centres, what are my chances of employment thereafter?
Regards,
Tim
Comment by Izak — July 22, 2009 @ 5:39 pm
Hi Tim,
Cool, good to hear that you did registered and going to do the courses. Well it is difficult to say what you chances will be, but I think it will be better than one that haven’t done the courses. It is quit expensive for fire departments to send fire fighters on these courses, while on the course they must still paying you plus the courses itself are expensive.
All the best for the upcoming courses and good luck thereafter in getting in at a fire department (try and see if you can’t volunteer at a department, it will surely better your chances). Keep me up to date on your progress.
Izak
Comment by Tim — July 27, 2009 @ 5:55 pm
Great, thanks again for all your help Izak. I start my first course in october, will keep you posted and will keep an eye on Firefighting.co.za, great site!
regards
Comment by Nem — August 24, 2009 @ 4:46 pm
My son, in grade 11, would like to spend a day at a fire station as part of “job shadowing”. He is very keen on going into this field when he leaves school. Do you know if this is possible? We live in the Randburg area and he would like to spend a day with one of these fire stations? I do not know who to contact or speak to. Perhaps you can give me a telephone number?
Many thanks
Comment by Izak — August 26, 2009 @ 8:08 pm
hi Nem,
Will find out for you asap and sent you a e-mail with the details
Comment by Babalwa — September 17, 2009 @ 3:11 pm
Hey Izak, I want 2 do a diploma in Fire Technology but there’s no University offering it in Eastern Cape, so is the any possibility 4 a distance learning?
Comment by Izak — September 17, 2009 @ 4:16 pm
Hey Babalwa, well first of all are you a fire fighter? If you are, are you registered at SAESI? If you are, then yes unfortunately then you need to do distance learning. If you are not a firefighter then you can’t study through SAESI. I hope this useful.
Comment by vaughan — November 30, 2009 @ 8:19 pm
im living in the north coast ballito, do you know of any fire departments available. how do i get all the study materials for firefighter 1 and 2 and baa courses. what is the salary set up for a recruit
thanks very much
Comment by Izak — December 2, 2009 @ 1:22 pm
Hey Vaughan
No sorry don’t know of any fire departments in your area. What you can do is to visit the SAESI website on a regular basis to see if there are any vacant positions. http://www.saesi.com. What you can do is to do the fire fighter 1 and 2 course at Durban, it is a course that you must attend, you can’t study it from home. If you would like to buy the study materials (Essentials of fire fighting) you will be able to use this book for fire fighter 1 & 2 you can order it from http://www.ife.org.za. You must do the baa course at an ambulance college or at a private institution. The salary all depends on the municipality where you work.
Hope you find this info useful