One of the main things a safety practitioner learns is that when accidents occur, you must learn from them and ensure there isn't a recurrence. We cannot bring back those that died in the Laventille fire but we can ensure their death is used for something positive. To save as many lives as possible and create that change when it comes to safe guarding our homes. How many families have emergency evacuation procedures for their homes? How many of them will spend small money to invest in a fire extinguisher and smoke detector?
The Web site youtube has videos on how to use fire extinguishers but how many will view them instead of a video of Nicky Minaj? Many will come now and say it will never happen in my home, until it is too late. How many re-inspect the wiring in their home every 5 years as is required? But yet we quick to point fingers at T&TEC. If a risk assessment was to be conducted I am positive the hazards that exist in many of our homes will be too many to count. However, it is good to see that something is being done about ensuring these HDC buildings have some level of safety compliance. I don't know what kind of crazy person will build these high rise buildings and not include an alternative escape route. I guess fires never existed when they were built.
The line minister for HDC also mentioned the same thing I posted a few weeks ago on this same forum. It is great to install fire extinguishers but residents must be trained in how to properly use them. He also went on to state the installation of fire hoses, smoke detectors and the proper training of residents in evacuation procedures. The fire services should co-ordinate monthly fire drills until the residents can do it with their eyes close. HDC should also ensure monthly checks are conducted on all fire extinguishers, smoke detectors and ensuring the evacuation routes are always clear of clutter, especially from trip and fall hazards. Consideration can also be made for the installation of a sprinkler system at these HDC buildings.
Establishing of Muster Points is also critical and massive, yet adequate signage will be needed. I will also recommend that floor plans be posted up on each floor that will identify "where you are now," where the existing fire fighting equipment are on that floor, directional arrows on how to evacuate and where to assemble. Train a few residents to be fire wardens for their floors as well. Print pamphlets with all emergency numbers such as fire services, TTPS, ambulance, T&TEC and many others. These numbers can also be put up in heavily trafficked areas so they can be regularly viewed. With the assistance of the Red Cross, train some residents in CPR, First Aid and AED. Imagine a certified neighbour saving an unresponsive adult or a choking baby?
Even though HDC will train persons on all aspects of fire safety they also need to incorporate in their training, "how to evacuate should a natural disaster take place such as an earthquake or even flooding." Not to mention those residents that may be disabled, giving special consideration on the development of procedures for them. All in all this is a positive move in the right direction and I do hope many get serious before it is too late. We also have to be responsible for our own well-being and where possible, educate each other. I always enforce that training is the key in high pressure situations. Knowledge is the power and the power can indeed save lives.
Here are some tips during a fire:
• Call the fire department as soon as you notice the fire. Even if the smoke alarms are not going off yet. The sooner they know of the fire the faster they can arrive and prevent damage.
• If you are in a building that is on fire,check the door before you open it. If you can feel the heat than it is not safe to open the door. Find another exit if possible.
• Use sweater,shirt,or towel to help reduce smoke inhalation. If you can wet the clothe with water it will be even better at stopping the smoke from hurting your lungs.
• If you are stuck in a high-rise building, break a window and hang a sweater or shirt out of it to let allow the firemen to find your position faster.
• Stay as close to the floor as you can. The smoke should rise to the ceiling leaving the cleanest air closets to the floors.
• Once you have made it out of the building do not go back in until the authorities say it is safe to do so. Fires can be extremely deadly if you do not use your head. Always remain calm during an emergency. Most accidents occur because people get worked up and forget all of there safety training.
Kierron Yip Ngow
Via e-mail