14 April is known as National Fire Service Day in INDIA

OBJECTIVE

The motto of Fire Services asserts “ WE SERVE TO SAVE.” A translated idea of original motto in Sanskrit that is “ TRANAY SEVA MAHE.”

Based on this motto there are three priority wise objective concepts.

(A)          Primary Objective: SAVING LIFE .

(B)          Secondary Objective: SAVE National and Public PROPERTY.

(C)          Tertiary Objective: Salvage and Preservation.

(A) Primary Objective: SAVING LIFE.

This is the most essential part of Fire Service, which requires personnel to be well trained. In case of fire the SMOKE evolving from fire that is the main culprit for taking toll of life contrary to the fire itself. It is the SMOKE that kills first by asphyxiating.

Fire Service personnel are vigorously trained to withstand HOT and HUMID conditions full of SMOKE as found in fire fighting situations and to search for casualties by following proper SEARCH PROCEDURE methods. Modern technology has given products like PVC, FOAM textiles and furnishings that evolve noxious smoke, which have toxic effect. They are a boon for human comforts but if catch fire they prove as instant killers.

Apart from Fire Service there are disasters, building collapse, drowning rescues etc that require immediate life saving.

(B) Secondary Objective: SAVE National and Public PROPERTY.

Fire and Smoke damage and destroy immense National and Public property. In order to check this loss Fire Service has to keep abreast of latest technological developments in fire-fighting so as to curb and check this damage. There are different wings and training programs teaching practical fireman-ship for mitigating fire loss.

Uttar Pradesh Fire Services takes care to extinguish fire at its seat such that property does not get spoiled or damaged because of water used by the Fire Service for fire fighting.

 (C) Tertiary Objective: Salvage or preservation

Humanitarian services and salvage services. Services like Ambulance service; offering First Aid helping humans’ and animals in distress to safety are provided by Uttar Pradesh Fire Services. At the fire scene a wing is busy in preserving property from fire, smoke and water due to firefighting. They remove un-burnt property away from fire, provide drainage arrangements and do not allow water logging on floors, ventilate etc.

Every Year 14^th April is observed as Fire Service Day in India as a part to pay homage to those brave Fire Fighters, who sacrificed their live in line to their duty on 14^th April, 1944. Industries observe this day / week as Fire Service day / Week and conducts Training, Drills and Rehearsals to demonstrate the Preparedness to combat emergencies.
The Ship in which accident took place named S S Fort Stikine having capacity of 7000 Tons belonged to Ministry of War and Transport. The ship left Birkinhead – UK on 24^th February, 1944. Convey of 20 other ships with cargo for Karachi and Bombay was loaded. The Karachi Cargo Contained RAF Planes, General Stores, Explosives and Ammunitions. Bombay Cargo was 1395 Tons of Explosives and Ammunitions and Service Stores. The ship reached Karachi on 30^th March, 1944 where a part of Cargo was discharged, leaving void 2, 86,000 cu. Feet in her hold. The new Cargo loaded was cotton, timber, lubricating oil, resin, sulphur and other combustible material. The ship then left Karachi on 9^th April, 1944 and reached Bombay on 9^th April, 1944. No explosives or ammunition were off loaded until the ship has been alongside for 24 hours.
ACCORDING TO THE  BYE LAWS OF B.P.T [ Bombay Port Trust]

• A Ship carrying explosives is not allowed into docks, but under Rule 88 of the Defense of India Rules, this Bye-Law is suspended in case where Military Officer has given a Certificate of “GRAVE EMERGENCY”. Such a certificate was issued for S S Stikine

The ship was anchored at Victoria Dock Bombay and the Memorable Day, throughout the morning, she was active as cargo hooks swayed a load of commodities from the S S Fort Stikine. Firemen were at Fire Stations as usual shining their brass to keep their fire engines shining.
On 14^th April, 1944, at 1400 hrs
A Whiff of smoke noticed from No.: II hold of the ship. Frantic series of short blast of whistles were heard warning of fire board. The ship crew started pouring musky water in the ship hold. Fire Engines from Alexandra Dock and Air Force Squad arrived immediately and started hose streams in smoking hold to control fire spread. The firemen though aware of the dangerous situation, there was no panic. The prompt arrival of the Fire Engines seemed no reason to think that the fire could not be controlled. Soon it became apparent that the firemen were loosing ground. A call was put through to Mumbai Fire Brigade control for Additional appliances. At 14.30 hrs, a large part of Fire Service was on pliers. Total 32 Water Jets came into action pouring gallons of water into ship hold to quench the fire. The Fire was still gained. There was something preventing the water from reaching the seat of fire. The deck head under the firemen’s feet grew hotter and hotter. The water stream played over the deck head turned into steam. It was now clear that the fire was out of control. Slides and Deck became CHERRY RED, blenching thick black and brown smoke. Flames shot mast high but sound never reached firemen’s ear.
1605 Hrs. ~ Ground Rumbled and EXPLOSION,
S S Fort Stikine Blew Up with its gallant firemen and fire engines disappeared from the face of earth. No. of ships destroyed nearby. At one stroke, the key port of Bombay was taken out of war.
1636 Hrs. ~ SECOND EXPLOSION,
Explosion was heard miles away. Entire Dock upto few kms was in flames. 14 other ships standing aside destroyed. 336 people burned. All nearby/around people and animals died. Many Fire Fighters died or disabled. The Number of persons who died in the Explosion will never be known and figures are conflicting. NFPA Handbook listed 731 dead whereas other sources said 1500 Died/Missing and more than 3000 Injured.
Couple of months after the Disaster, 3083 people had requested claims for damage by Fire or Explosion to their property. 11735 had put up Claim for uninsured properties. 466 Uninsured people claimed as compensation for personal injuries.
The Compensation paid out 850 Lakhs as damage by fire/explosion. Marine Insurance was 150 Lakhs. Paid for uninsured properties was 300 lakhs and personal injuries was 13 lakhs with miscellaneous policies of 4.5 lakhs.
Government of India declared this day of 14^th April every year to be observed as Fire Service Day in recognition of the valor and sacrifice of the courageous FIRE FIGHTERS who laid down their lives in Line of their Duty.
Industries conduct Fire Fighting Training Mock Drills, Fire Drills or Emergency Drills every year on this day to pay homage and create awareness and knowledge about handling emergencies in their fellow workers.

·       Fire Service observes Fire Service Day on 14th April every year to commemorate the Fire Service Personnel who laid down their lives during public service. The message of fire prevention is carried to the public by means of demonstrations, film shows, Cultural Programs, distribution of pamphlets, Seminar and lectures. The help of mass media like films, television, Radio and newspapers plays an important role in the successful execution of FIRE PREVENTION MESSAGE. Fire Service Department also organizes lectures/ demonstrations in schools and colleges and in Places where the management requests on fire prevention. Fire prevention education plays a VITAL role in saving the lives and property of people.

·       

WHAT IS FIRE

           FIRE TRIANGLE

Fire is an exothermic chemical reaction involving rapid oxidation or burning of a fuel. It needs three elements to occur:
FUEL - Fuel can be any combustible material - solid, liquid or gas. Most solids and liquids become vapor or gas before they burn.
OXYGEN - The air we breathe is about 21 percent oxygen. Fire only needs an atmosphere with at least 16 percent oxygen.
HEAT - Heat is the energy necessary to increase the temperature of the fuel to a point where sufficient vapors are given off for ignition to occur.

CHEMICAL REACTION - A chain reaction can occur when the three elements of fire are present in the proper conditions and proportions. Fire occurs when this rapid oxidation/burning takes place.
Take any one of these factors away, and the fire cannot occur or will be extinguished if it was already burning.

EXPLOSION: It is a FIRE of extreme high speed. In case of Fire we see flames, smoke; feel heat but due to high-speed energy release in case of explosion sound is an added factor.  

HOW FIRES ARE CLAS SIFIED  

CLASS A

Ordinary combustibles or fibrous carbonaceous material, such as wood, paper, clothe, rubber and some plastics.  

CLASS B

Flammable or combustible liquids, such as gasoline, kerosene, paint, paint thinners and propane LPG.  

CLASS C

Energized electrical equipment, such as appliances, switches, panel boxes and power tools.  

CLASS D

Certain combustible metals, such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium these metals burn at high temperatures and give off sufficient oxygen to support combustion. They may react violently with water or other chemicals, and must be handled with care.  

                HOW TO PREVENT FIRES

Class A — Ordinary combustibles:
Keep storage and working areas free of trash Place oily rags in covered containers. Maintain Good Housekeeping.

Class B — Flammable liquids or gases:
Don't refuel gasoline-powered equipment in a confined space, especially in the presence of an open flame such as a candle, furnace or heater.
Don't refuel gasoline-powered equipment while it's hot.
Keep flammable liquids stored in tightly closed, self-closing, spill-proof containers. Pour from storage drums only what you need.
Store flammable liquids away from spark-producing sources.
Use flammable liquids only in well-ventilated areas.

Class C — Electrical equipment:
Look for old wiring, worn insulation and broken electrical fittings. Report any hazardous condition to your supervisor.
Prevent motors from overheating by keeping them clean and in good working order. A spark from a rough-running motor can ignite the oil and dust in it.
Utility lights should always have some type of wire guard over them. Heat from an uncovered light bulb can easily ignite ordinary combustibles.
Don't misuse fuses. Never install a fuse rated higher than specified for the circuit.
Investigate any appliance or electrical equipment that smells strange. Unusual odors can be the first sign of fire.
Don't overload wall outlets. Two outlets should have not more than two plugs.

Class D — Flammable metals:
Flammable metals such as magnesium and titanium generally take a very hot heat source to ignite; however, once ignited are difficult to extinguish as the burning reaction produces sufficient oxygen to support combustion, even under water.
In some cases, covering the burning metal with sand can help contain the heat and sparks from the reaction.  Dry powder extinguisher/TRULY DRY sand in a bucket or box) is quite effective.

WHEN NOT TO FIGHT A FIRE

Never fight a fire: -

• If the fire is spreading beyond the spot where it started
   
• If you can't fight the fire with your back to an escape exit
   
• If the fire can block your only escape
   
• If you don't have proper and adequate fire-fighting equipment or agent/extinguishing media.

In any of the above situations,

MOREVER

DON 'T FIGHT THE FIRE YOURSELF
CALL FOR HELP.

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HOW TO EXTING UIS H FIRES IN I NCI PIENT STAGE.

Class A - Extinguish ordinary combustibles by cooling the material below its ignition temperature and soaking the fibers to prevent re-ignition.

Use pressurized water, foam or multi-purpose (ABC-rated) dry chemical extinguishers. DO NOT USE carbon dioxide or ordinary (BC-rated) dry chemical extinguishers on Class A fires.

Class B - Extinguish flammable liquids, greases or gases by removing the oxygen, preventing the vapors from reaching the ignition source or inhibiting the chemical chain reaction.

Foam, carbon dioxide, ordinary (BC-rated) dry chemical, multi-purpose dry chemical, and halon extinguishers may be used to fight Class B fires.

Class C - Extinguish energized electrical equipment by using an extinguishing agent that is not capable of conducting electrical currents.

Carbon dioxide, ordinary (BC-rated) dry chemical, multi-purpose dry chemical and halon* fire extinguishers may be used to fight Class C fires. DO NOT USE water extinguishers on energized electrical equipment.

Multipurpose (ABC-rated) chemical extinguishers leave a residue that can harm sensitive equipment, such as computers and other electronic equipment. Carbon dioxide or halon extinguishers are preferred in these instances because they leave very little residue.

Class D - Extinguish combustible metals such as magnesium, titanium, potassium and sodium with dry powder extinguishing agents specially designated for the material involved.
In most cases, they absorb the heat from the material, cooling it below its ignition temperature.
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HOW TO USE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Remember the acronym, "P.A.S.S."

P

...Pull the Pin.

A

...Aim the extinguisher nozzle at the base of the flames.

 

S

...Squeeze the trigger while holding the extinguisher upright.

 

S

...Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, covering the area of the fire with the extinguishing agent.  

REMEMBER:

• Should your path of escape be threatened
   
• Should the extinguisher run out of agent
   
• Should the extinguisher prove to be ineffective
   
• Should you no longer be able to safely fight the fire

...THEN LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY!  

• An Extinguisher is a "First Aid" Tool
  Don't expect it to control a big fire:
   
• For small, isolated fires only
  If the fire is too big don't try to fight it
   
• Short duration
  Depending on the size, 10 seconds to 30 seconds of spray
   
• Short range
  Depending on the size/type, 5-10 feet
   
• Fire ahead; escape behind
  Keep yourself between the fire and your exit.
   
• Spare extinguisher & observer
  Have an observer with a spare extinguisher to back you up
   
• If in doubt, bail out!
  If you're not sure if you can fight the fire, you can't.

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HOW TO USE AN EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN

• A written, up-to-date Emergency Action Plan for your workplace is essential in case of emergency. Make sure you read and understand your department's Emergency Action and Fire Drill Plan.
• The plan should contain information about evacuation from the facility, including who is in charge of it.
• Primary and secondary escape routes should be outlined for every area of the building. Since stairways are the primary escape route in multiple story buildings, they should not be used for any kind of storage.
• Lifts should NEVER be used in fire emergencies and kept grounded.
• Emergency Action Leaders should be assigned specific duties, such as verifying that all workers/employees/students/faculty/staff have evacuated.
• Pre-fire planning must clearly show the locations of the workstations of the disabled workers. Disabled workers and those with known medical problems such as heart disease or epilepsy should EACH be assigned an Emergency Action Leader to guide them to safety.
  All workers who might need assistance during a fire should be identified during planning.
• Fire drills should be scheduled to test the Emergency Action Plan. Let the drill be used to find problems before a fire happens, then make the necessary changes.
• Emergency Action Plans must be pasted on the inside of room/hall doors.
  HOW TO EVACUATE A BURNING BUILDING

• The last one out of the room should not lock the door just close it. Locking the door hinders the fire department's search and rescue efforts.
• Proceed to the exit as outlined in the Emergency Action Plan. 
• NEVER use elevators/lifts under any circumstances.
   
• Stay low to avoid smoke and toxic gases. The best air is close to the floor, so crawl if necessary.
   
• If possible, cover your mouth and nose with a damp cloth to help you breathe.
   
• If you work in a building with multiple stories, a stairway will be your primary escape route. Most enclosed stairwells in buildings over two stories are "rated" enclosures and will provide you a safe means of exit; don't panic descend stairs slowly and carefully.
   
• Once in the stairwell, proceed down to the first floor. Never go up.
   
• Once outside the building, report to a predetermined ASSEMBLY area so that a head count can be taken.
   

WHAT TO DO IF TRAPPED IN A BURNING BUILDING

• If you're trying to escape a fire, never open a closed door without feeling it first. Use the back of your hand to prevent burning your palm. If the door is hot, try another exit. If none exists, seal the cracks around the doors and vents with anything available.
• If in a dorm room, use wet towels to seal the space under the door and prevent the entry of smoke. Cracks around the door can be sealed with masking tape if necessary.
• If trapped, look for a nearby phone and call the fire department, giving them your exact location.
• If breathing is difficult, try to ventilate the room, but don't wait for an emergency to discover that window can't be opened.

• If on an upper floor and your window is of a type that CANNOT be opened, DON 'T break it out- you'll be raining glass down on rescuers and people exiting the building. If you can't contact the fire department by phone, wave for attention at the window. Don't panic.
  
  
  WHAT TO DO IF SOMEONE CATCHES ON FIRE
  
  If you should catch on fire:
  
  STOP - where you are
  
  DROP - to the floor
  
  ROLL - around on the floor
  
  This will smother the flames, possibly saving your life.
  
  Just remember to STOP, D ROP and ROLL.
  
  If a co-worker catches on fire, smother flames by grabbing a blanket or rug and wrapping them up in it. That could save them from serious burns or even death.
  
  SUMMARY
  
  K NOW LEDGE - AWARENESS - PREPARATION
  
  These are your keys to prevent fires and survive from them wherever they occur.
  
   

DO YOU KNOW

 

·       When Fire starts smoke SPREADS and KILLS people.

·       When sofas, foam, upholstery, PVC burn TOXIC smoke evolves that KILLS INSTANTLY in less than two minutes.

·       If worn clothes catch fire you should STOP, DROP and ROLL .

·       If you smell cooking gas it must be leaking. Ventilate at floor level because LPG is HEAVIER than air.

·       Smoke is hot and lighter than air and rises up. In case of fire CRAWL on floor for cool air to stop suffocation.

·       If fire outbreaks in your living room you must leave the room immediately and close the door BEHIND you.

·       In a fire outbreak SMOKE, PANIC, SHOCK and SUFFOCATION are the main killers. Do not shout or run. This tends to cause panic and asphyxiation.

·       That you must not use LIFTS in case of fire, as it is the pathway for smoke, embers, and flame.

·       Maximum numbers of fires that occur in our state are in RURAL areas.

·       Most URBAN fires are due to electricity or LPG.

·       Simplest and most useful fire-fighting equipment for a home is a BLANKET and a BUCKET full of WATER.

·       Once a fire takes hold, there is only one completely safe place to be-OUTSIDE. If trapped inside getting out is the priority.

·       In unventilated fires CARBON MONOXIDE evolves that kills instantly. Carbon monoxide is colorless, odorless and tasteless.

·       You must COMMUNICATE the incident once you are out in open that is TOTAL SAFETY. Call the Fire Service. The services of the Fire Brigade are provided FREE OF COST DIAL 101 irrespective of the size of the fire.

·       Emergency number for calling Fire101and Police100 is FREE OF COST, even when you use the P.C.O.

 

Help the Firemen to Help You

Remember, FIREMAN IS YOUR FRIEND.

Give way to fire engines to enable them to reach at the incident quickly.

Allow them to use your telephone to communicate with the control room.

Don’t park your cars/truck close to fire hydrants/underground static water tanks.

Guide firemen to water sources i.e. Tube wells, pounds, static tanks etc. in case of fire. 

Fire Precautions in High Rise Buildings

The threat of fire in High Rise Buildings is constant and if adequate precautionary measures are not taken, the consequences can be grave. Therefore, observe the following basic precautions.

Do’s

Ensure Good House Keeping.

Always use ashtrays while smoking and deposit-smoked butts in them after extinguishing. Smoke in areas especially designated for smoking.

All receptacles for waste should be emptied at regular intervals. Faculty electrical appliances should be repaired/replaced immediately.

Switches and fuses should conform to correct rating of circuit. Welding /Cutting jobs should be carried out under strict supervision.

Keep smoke/Fire Check doors closed.

Keep means of escape clear of obstructions.

Fire Rescue drills should be carried out at regular intervals.

Impart elementary fire fighting training to occupants.

Emergency organization must be setup.                                     

Fire Precautions in Residential Area.

Do’s

Don’ts

Keep your house neat and clean. Keep matches, lighters and crackers away from children. Handle crackers with care, Use metal ashtrays while smoking to dispose off matches, used cigarettes and bidis. Papers, clothes and flammable liquids should be kept away from heaters/stoves/open choolahs. Keep the escape routes/staircases free of any obstructions. Use only one electrical appliance in one socket. Keep LPG stoves on raised platform never on the floor. Turn off the cylinder valve and burned knob of the gas stove after cooking. Keep a bucket of water handy while using fireworks. In case of Burn Injuries Due to Fire, Pour Water Over Burn Till Pain Subsides.

Don’t meddle with electrical fixtures like plugs, wires switches and sockets. Don’t leave spray cans on or near heaters or in direct sunlight they could explode. Don’t throw matches, cigarette ends or pipe ash into waste pipe baskets. Don’t place oil lamps, agarbattis or candles on the floor or near combustible material. Don’t wear loose; flowing clothes while cooking specially avoid synthetic clothing. Don’t keep crackers in you pocket or use fireworks inside the house. Never light fireworks under confinement in a metal container. Never light flowerpot (anar) while holding it. Never reach for any article over a fire. Don’t refill a burning stove. And never leave open fire unattended

Fire Safety Precautions Against Electricity

About 60% fires are of electric origin on account of electric short circuit, overheating, overloading, use or nonstandard appliances, illegal tapping of electrical wires, improper electrical wiring, carelessness and ignorance etc.

Do’s                                                                      

Use I.S.I. certified appliances.

• Use good quality fuses of correct rating, miniature circuit breakers and earth leakage circuit breakers.
• Use one socket for one appliance.
• Switch off the electric supply of the fire affected areas.
• Fuses and switches should be mounted on metallic cubicles for greater safety against fire.
• Replace broken plugs and switches.
• Keep the electrical wires away from hot and wet surface.
• Switch off appliance after use and remove the plug from the socket.
• Switch off he ‘Main’ switch when leaving home for a long duration. Don’t use substandard fixtures, appliances.
• Never have temporary or naked joints on wiring.
• Don’t lay wires under carpets, mats or doorways. They get crushed, resulting in short circuiting.
• Don’t allow appliances cords to dangle.
• Don’t place bare wire ends in a socket

Don’ts

• Don’t use substandard fixtures, appliances.
• Never have temporary or naked joints on wiring.
• Don’t lay wires under carpets, mats or doorways. They get crushed, resulting in short circuiting.
• Don’t lay wires under carpets, mats or doorways. They get crushed, resulting in short circuiting.
• Don’t allow appliances cords to dangle.
• Don’t place bare wire ends in a socket

Fire Safety in Respect of Temporary Structures/Pandals during public/private functions.

• The height of the ceiling of the pandal should not be less than 3 meters.
• No synthetic materials or synthetic ropes should be used in such structures.
• Margins of at least 3 meters should be kept on all sides-away from any preexisting walls or buildings.
• No structure should be erected underneath any live electrical line.
• Structure should be erected reasonably away from railway lines; electric substations, furnaces or other hazardous places and a minimum distance of 15 meters should be maintained.
• Exits on all sides of the pandal shall be kept sufficiently wide (minimum 1.5 meters).
• There should be provision for stand by emergency light. First-aid fire extinguishers or water buckets must be installed at strategic points inside and outside of the pandal.
• No combustible material likes wood shavings; straw, flammable and explosive chemicals should be permitted to be stored in the vicinity or inside the pandal.
• No fireworks display /open flames of any kind should be permitted close to the temporary structure/pandal.

• Kitchen must be segregated by providing separation walls of noncombustible material (G.I. Sheets) from the remaining area of the temporary structure.

·  The public should ensure that the auditorium/stadiums, which they are booking for various functions are having valid No Objection certificate from fire department. Therefore, such functions be held in those premises only, which are having clearance from fire service

Fire Protections in Industries

Owing to the rapid growth of industries, complexities of fire risk have increased enormously. Incidents of such fire risk have increased enormously. Incidents of such fires not only result in huge loss of fire and property but also cause dislocation of work, loss of production, unemployment and so many other kinds of suffering, If adequate fire prevention measures are taken the losses can be minimized.

Do’s

Don’ts

Store flammable liquids gases, solvents, chemicals in stable racks, correctly labeled. Keep chemicals in cool and dry place away from heat. Where hazardous chemicals are used/stored, ensure adequate ventilation and prohibit smoking. Maintain good house keeping. Ensure cigarettes are extinguished before disposal Use fuses and circuit breakers of correct capacity. Before welding operation, all traces of flammable material must be removed to a safe distance. Welding/Hot work should be carried out under proper fire watch. Keep all machinery clean and lubricate it to avoid friction and overheating. Regular fire drills should be carried out.

Don’t smoke in prohibited areas. Don’t place obstruction in means of escape. Don’t use damaged cords and avoid temporary connections. Don’t plug to many electrical appliances in one socket

Fire Precautions for Children

Children are our most valued possessions. They are also among the most vulnerable to accidents and fire. The following safety hints shall be borne in mind.

Never leave children alone near an open fire, heater or in kitchen.

Keep matchsticks and cigarette lighters out of reach of children.

Maintain screens on combustion heater or other heating appliance.

Keep electrical plugs and sockets covered so that children do not put wires, metal instruments, and their fingers into it. THEATRE STH

Escape Plan

• Does every member of your family know your plan for escape in the event of fire?
• Does everyone know at least two ways out of each room?
• Have you agreed on a meeting place in front of your home where you will gather to wait for the fire department?
• Does everyone know to how to get out first, and then call for help from a neighbor's phone or call box?
• Does everyone understand that they should never, ever go back inside a burning building?
• Has your family practiced escaping through smoke by getting down on hands and knees and crawling to the nearest exit? (Make sure everyone understands that they should use the exit "free from smoke or flames if they can.)
• Does everyone in your family know how to stop, drop, and roll on the ground to smother flames if clothes catch fire?

 

HOW YOU CAN SAVE YOURSELF IF AN EARTHQUAKE STRIKES.

·       If you are indoors when tremors begin, do not rush out into the streets.

·       Take cover beneath a strong desk, table or bed. If no heavy furniture is available, stand in a doorway – the frame will provide some protection.

·       Keep away from windows. The vibrations of the shock or movement in the building could shatter them.

·       If you are outdoors when the earthquake strikes, keep away from tall buildings, trees, power lines and any other high structure, which might collapse.

·       Run into an open space as far from any high structure as possible. If here is no such space take cover in a doorway.

·       Do not take refuge in cellars, basements, subways, bridges or underground tunnels. The exit could become blocked by debris, or the tunnels themselves could cave in.

·       If you are in a car, stop the vehicle and dive for the floor, crouching below seat level if possible. If you are in an open area and the earthquake is severe enough to throw you off balance, lie flat.

·       When the initial tremor is over, STAY OUT. Several further tremors may follow the first one at unpredictable intervals. Wait until the rescue teams give the all clear.

·       In the aftermath of a major earthquake, fires may start from overturned burners, LPG cylinders and broken power lines, and pollution could result from shattered sewer lines. Water is likely to be in short supply, too, or cut off entirely because of broken mains.

·       Check your own home for signs of damage, and listen to radio or TV broadcasts for official instructions and warnings.

·       If you have to go outside, keep well away from houses or any other structures, which may have weakened by the shocks. They could collapse without warning.

·       Earthquake gives no clue of its occurrence but it has been established that all pets start behaving abnormally prior to its occurrence, which could be treated as an indication.

 DEEPAVALI  

Deepavali is the festival of lights, fun, frolic and fireworks. Old and young alike love and enjoy the splendor and sparkle of fireworks.              

Deepavali is a cause of concern too, and brings in its wake pain and anguish, injuries and deaths, fires and explosions. Reason the uninhibited use of patakas. Patakas enhance fun and frolic if handled carefully. But in reality they are not. Deepawali could be blissful if the elderly adhere to sensible precautionary measures.

Fire safety and prevention habits and practices can prevent fires from starting and, should they occur, limit their damage.

HELP CELEBRATE SAFELY.

DO'S

(A) IN GENERAL

1.    Different patakas mean different hazards. Read the instructions on each one carefully (by flashlight, never an open flame). Follow all SAFETY PRECAUTIONS issued with the patakas properly.

2.    Buy patakas that are LEGALLY manufactured.

3.    Sparklers need careful handling. Light any pataka ONE AT A TIME PLEASE and don't rush. Keep them at arm's length; and put each spent one into a bucket of water as soon as it is gone out.

4.    Keep the patakas as FAR AWAY from the body as possible.

5.    Keep the fire works on an EVEN SURFACE so that they do not tilt and fall over during operation.

6.    Use a long LIGHTING STICK for lighting patakas. Light the tip of each pataka at arm's length showing side of the body, using a candle or Agarbatti. Once ignited show your back and flee calmly.

7.    Pour COLD WATER over the burnt body part for 10 minutes to cool down.

8.    Keep YOUR DISTANCE from those operating pataka.

9.    Immediately WASH THE EYES with running water if a burn is suspected and continue washing till the burning sensation lasts.

(B) IN PUBLIC

1.    Encourage people to WATCH PUBLIC DISPLAYS of Fireworks.

2.    An elderly person should ACCOMPANY children below 18 years for buying crackers.

3.    Pataka shops should be at locations earmarked by the AUTHORITY.

4.    If you have the chance to get together with some other families, try to go to the home with the BIGGEST OPEN SPACE and safest surroundings.

5.    Persuade friends and families in your locality to gather together and enjoy COMBINED pataka display at one place under controlled conditions. It will lead to a nosedive in accidents, easier on the pocket and, yes lots of fun.

6.    Jhuggi/Jhopadi and slum dwellers must be constantly vigilant in GROUPS.

7.    Factories where it may not be possible to remove/cover the combustible material, lying in the open. It would be in the interest of owners to keep VISUAL SURVEILLANCE particularly during evening hours till midnight in their factories, godowns, open storages, yards etc. on Deepawali.

 

(C) HOME SAFETY 

1.    On “ Laxmi Pujan ” REMOVE all combustible materials like curtains, paper, synthetic and other clothes, oil, ghee from the vicinity of puja place AFTER the “ Laxmi Pujan ” and before going to bed.

2.    All ceilings made of combustible material like pual, hay, wood etc should be DAMPENED with water.

3.    Two buckets full of WATER must always be kept handy for any emergency, and for putting used sparklers into.  To extinguish any fire in the incipient stage as well as to cool down any burn injury. Flow water over it until the BURNING SENSATION AND PAIN SUBSIDES.

4.    Windows opening towards the street should be kept SHUT/CLOSED.

5.    Wear CLOSE-FITTING clothes of thick material when operating patakas.

6.    Decorate and light Diyas or candles at SAFE PLACES. Remove all combustible products near the burning Diyas/candles.

7.    See that electrical lighting and decorations are safe and does not OVERLOAD the supply board.

8.    Before Deepawali REMOVE all junk from the terrace, gallery and staircase.

9.    Store your fireworks safely: in a CLOSED METAL BOX , somewhere cool and dry, out of reach of children.

10.                       Store them away from ALL SOURCES OF HEAT, until the time they're needed.

11.                       Pets hate bangs and flashes and get very frightened on fireworks night, so keep all your PETS INDOORS and close all the curtains to make things calmer for them.

12.                       Note that telephone number 101 is the FIRE CONTROL NUMBER.

13.                       Always enjoy patakas WITH AN ADULT.

14.                       Check the area before igniting patakas to be sure all flammable and combustible materials are removed.

15.                       Ensure that children don’t engage in DANGEROUS PRANKS such as throwing lighted patakas or sparklers at others, or try to make fireworks themselves.

1.    At the end of your fireworks celebrations, DOUSE THE 'DUDS' with lots of water; keep it soaking in a bucket of water.

 

DON 'TS

(A) IN GENE RAL:

1.    Keep away from unlabelled and local patakas about whom you are less informed. It is ILLEGAL.

2.    Never touch a cracker after it has been lighted or lift it to SEE WHY IT HAS NOT gone off.  This is a very dangerous practice. If the cracker doesn't go off, don't go back to it - it could still be live, and could go off unexpectedly in your face.

3.    Do not wear LOOSE AND FLOW ING CLOTHES while lighting fire works.

4.    Patakas should not be RE-LIT.

5.    They should not be put into COMBUSTIBLE CONTAINERS.

6.    They should not be held in the HAND OR CLOSE TO THE FACE for operation.

7.    Patakas should not be DISSEMBLED OR REASSEMBLED and the gunpowder should not be burned. Never experiment, modify, or attempt to make your own fireworks.

8.    Patakas should not be sold to children UNDER-18 YEARS.

9.    Never carry patakas in your POCKET.

10.           Never shoot patakas in METAL/GLASS CONTAINERS.

11.           For big fireworks the shooter should better wear EYE PROTECTION and never have any part of the body over the firework.

12.           Do not light patakas by BENDING OVER them.

 

  

(B) IN PUBLIC:

1.    Never light patakas like rockets etc. in BUSY PLACES, near huts, petrol pumps, oil depots, sawmills, pandals or near places where inflammable materials are available.

2.    Don’t light patakas on PUBLIC THOROUGHFARE.

3.    Don't put others IN DANGER at your personal risk.

4.    Never ignite aerial fireworks where OVERHEAD OBSTRUCTIONS (trees, eaves, wires, etc.) may interfere with trajectory into open air space.

5.    Never ignite aerial fireworks near an OPENING TO A BUILDING. An open garage door or window could allow aerial fireworks to fly into the structure and cause a fire.

6.    Never use patakas INSIDE OR IN A VEHICLE.

7.    Patakas should not be AIMED OR THROWN at people or animals.

8.    Never throw left over fireworks ONTO A BONFIRE.

9.    Fireworks /Crackers must not be operated in VICINITY of explosive public places like petrol pumps, LPG gas Godowns/pandals and patakashop.

 

(C) HOME SAFETY

1.    Do not allow SMALL CHILDREN to light fire works all by themselves. Elders must supervise children when lighting fire works.

2.    Do not store too many patakas AT ONE PLACE and never near a burning candle/diya.

3.    Watch what you wear: LOOSE CLOTHING can very easily catch fire, and should not be worn near any fire or fireworks. Long dangly scarves can be risky too.

4.    Don't keep patakas under STAIRS OR IN A PASSAGEWAY.

5.    Never ignite fireworks while HOLDING THEM. Put them down, and then ignite them show your back and walk away.

6.    Never CONFINE fireworks for igniting.

7.    Never light fireworks INSIDE THE HOUSE.

8.    Don't put fireworks in any CONTAINER to ignite.

9.    Never ASSUME an ignited firework, that fails to explode, is safe to approach. A delayed explosion has injured many people. Any malfunctioning fireworks should be abandoned.

10.                       Never MIX anything with the contents of the fireworks or make fireworks at home. Don’t EXPERIMENT with fireworks.

11.                       Firecrackers, ‘bombs’, anars (flowerpots) should not be lighted HOLDING THEM. It is always safer to light them from the side without bending over them and quickly moving away, before they burst.

12.                       Don’t allow children to keep fireworks in their POCKETS.

13.                       Don’t allow children to light crackers near the old JUNK and piled items on the terrace.

14.                       Fireworks /Crackers are for your panorama. Never try to play MISCHIEF with them as it may harm others. Children have ideas to tie crackers onto the tail of a dog for instance.

15.                       Don’t allow children to dangerous PRANKS such as throwing lighted Crackers or sparklers (phuljhadis) at others and down from the top of any building or try to make crackers indigenously.

16.                       Don’t allow children to light fireworks/Crackers in a DANGEROUS MANNER like lighting Anar on the palm.

17.                       Do not LOOK SKYWARDS at a Rocket; it might land back at you.

18.                       NEVER RUB the eyes if you suspect an injury.

19.                       Never give any MEDICINE ORALLY in case of burn injury.  

 

 

DANGEROUS ACTIVITIES ON DEEPAWALI

1.    IGNORING operational safety precautions.

2.    Purchasing locally made ILLEGAL patakas.

3.    Lighting patakas INDOORS/CONFINED SPACE/IN AUTOMOBILE.

4.    Lighting patakas on UNEVEN SURFACES.

5.    Using an OPEN FLAME like matchstick, lighter for lighting patakas by bending and exposing whole body straight over them.

6.    BEING IN CL OSE PROXIM ITY of those operating patakas.

7.    RUBBING THE EYES if a burn is suspected.

8.    ALLOWING children below 18 years to buy patakas from the market.

9.    Locating Pataka shops ANYWHERE DESIRED.

10.           UNGUARDING Jhuggi/Jhopadi and slums on Deepavali.

11.           Lighting TWO OR MORE patakas at same time.

12.           UNGUARDING Factories where it may not be possible to remove/cover the combustible material, lying in the open.

13.           NOT REMOVING combustible materials like curtains, paper, synthetic and other clothes, oil, ghee from the vicinity of puja place AFTER the “Laxmi Pujan” or before going to bed.

14.           LEAVING OPEN Windows opening towards the street.

15.           Lighting Diyas or candles NEAR COMBUSTIBLE products.

16.           OVERLOADING the electrical supply board with excessive lighting and decorations.

17.           NOT REMOVING all junk from the terrace, gallery and staircase before Deepawali.

18.           CARELESS STORAGE of fireworks near hot sources and combustible materials in reach of children.

19.           ALLOWING TEENS to enjoy patakas without adult supervision.

20.           Children engaged in DANGEROUS PRANKS such as throwing lighted patakas or sparklers at others, or try to make fireworks themselves.

21.           Fooling around with patakas like:

·       Keeping patakas in the POCKET. A stupid and dangerous activity.

·       Throwing fireworks AT OTHERS-dangerous and illegal.

·       Patakas and alcohol-pose an ADDED DANGER when there are fireworks and bonfires around.

·       Igniting flying fireworks in WINDY conditions.

·       Take unnecessary risks while lighting patakas, just to SHOW OFF.

·       Igniting from close QUARTERS.