Safety roadshow helps reduce fire brigade call-outs

A community fire safety initiative has cut Cork City Fire Brigade’s call-outs to such an extent that it has freed up firefighters to respond to cardiac emergencies.

News of the development emerged yesterday as recruit firefighters took the fire brigade’s innovative safety roadshow to one of Ireland’s largest shopping centres.

The recruits, who will complete their training next month, used digital fire extinguishers and hi-tech smoke simulation goggles to give people at Mahon Point Shopping Centre an idea of the terrifying conditions they could face in a house fire.

It is hoped the ‘mist mask’ experience will encourage people to prepare fire evacuation plans for their homes.

Will be preparing a home fire evacuation plan later after testing @CorkCityFire smoke simulation goggles today pic.twitter.com/Ohz9nKugB3

— Eoin English (@EoinBearla) August 7, 2014

Station officer Ger Ryan said it is vital homeowners have a plan in place.

“When a fire breaks out and panic sets in, there is no time to make a plan at that stage,” he said. “You should have a primary escape route and a secondary route planned.

“We would ask each of the parents to make sure they know which of their children they will take out of the house in the event of a fire, and have a pre-arranged meeting point outside. We would encourage people to close doors behind them to help limit the damage caused by a fire.

“And when you’re out, stay out. Don’t go back for cats or dogs, and call the fire brigade. Dial 999 or 112 and we’ll deal with the fire.

“Most of the time fires are small and damage is kept to a minimum.”

Mr Ryan said people don’t realise how quickly a fire can spread and how rising smoke can trap people in upper stories.

In the event people are trapped inside, Mr Ryan said they should retreat to a room, close the door, place a wet towel at the base of the door to keep smoke out, and open a window and shout for help.

And if people have to leave via a window, he urged them to hang from the window ledge first, rather than jump, to halve the distance of the fall in the hope of minimising injury.

But he said firefighters have an excellent response time and can be at the scene of a fire on the outskirts of the city within 10 minutes.

The success of Cork City Fire Brigade’s safety roadshow over the last four years has helped reduce the number of call-outs, freeing up firefighters to respond to cardiac arrest incidents.

It is the first brigade outside Dublin to engage in this emergency response.

Check out our youngest follower Elliot spreading our fire safety message @mahonpointsc # cork pic.twitter.com/dw8hlVCN77

— Cork City Fire Brigade (@CorkCityFire) August 7, 2014

The brigade plans to launch a major safety initiative aimed at apartment and flat dwellers over the coming weeks, with safety leaflets printed in Polish and Mandarin.

Meanwhile, some of the city’s firefighters will stage a 12-hour charity car wash fundraiser for Cork Simon at Ballyvolane fire station between 8am and 8pm tomorrow.

Escape tips

Household fire escape tips:

- Make an escape plan for your home and practise it with everyone who lives in the home.

- Plan at least two ways out in case one is blocked by fire or smoke.

- Have a meeting point in a safe place outside the home.

- Keep your way out clear.

- Keep keys to windows and doors nearby.

- Know where the nearest phone is to call the fire service.

- If you hear the fire alarm, check doors with the back of your hand for heat before opening them. If they are warm, they might be blocked by fire on the other side.