Fire safety and prevention is essential because it reduces the destruction caused by fire to a building. Fire safety measures limit the development and effects of a fire.
Fire safety policies should be applied at the construction phase of a building and throughout its lifetime, but managers of buildings may implement additional fire safety methods, such as fire detection systems, fire suppression systems and fire safety training for the occupants. It is a proactive method of reducing fires and the damage caused by them.
Fire safety is an important component of building safety, and managers must ensure their buildings comply with fire safety policies, especially schools, offices, worksites and commercial buildings. An aggressive fire prevention plan is essential for safety.
The most effective way of avoiding injury and damage by fire is the prevention of the fire. In Fire prevention there are three main goals.
Life Safety – to prevent injury and loss of life.
Property Damage – second to life safety.
Protection of Operations – to continue without interruption.
Fire Safety Measures:
Inspect and maintain fire detection and suppression equipment regularly.
Place fire suppression equipment in plain view.
Provide occupants with proper training in fire prevention and protection.
Prohibit smoking at work fire hazard areas.
Configure an fire detection alarm system that consists of both visual and audible signals (bells, sirens, whistles, blinking lights).
Post instructions and local Fire Department codes in clear sight.
Did you know?
Cooking is the number 1 cause of home fires.
Almost a 1/4 of all school fires are started intentionally.
Smoking is the leading cause of fire deaths.
Over 30% of the fires that kill young children are started by children playing with fire.
Men die or are injured in fires twice as often as women.
Emergency Numbers South Africa
Nationwide Fire Brigade
10177
Nationwide Ambulance
10177
Nationwide Flying Squad – police patrol unit
10111
Nationwide Emergency Response
10111
Vodacom Emergency: 082 112
MTN Emergency: 083 112
Cell C Emergency: 084 112
For emergencies, you can call 112 from any cell phone in South Africa. You will then reach a call centre and they will route you to an emergency service closest to you.
Pretoria
Emergency Call Centre – 012 368 2111
Fire / Ambulance – 012 310 6300
Metro Police – 012 358 7095
Water – 012 358 2111
Electricity – 080 111 1556