Effective and Robust Strategy on Domestic Fires - Term Paper Example

Name: Course: Tutor: Date: Community Safety Table of Contents Introduction Domestic fires are a common phenomenon in residential areas. In the United Kingdom, statistics reveal that domestic fires break out after an interval of every eight minutes. The Government released statistics show that there was a six percent drop in fire occurrences in residential areas of close to 65000 people. Further, it indicates that seventy five percent of fire deaths take place in residential areas. One out of every 4 people that perish from domestic fires is asleep at the time of fire breakout. A significant percentage of domestic fires are mainly attributed to matches and smoking objects. Forty one percent of domestic fires are as a result of matches and smoking objects. Even though the number of domestic fire incidences in the United Kingdom is decreasing, the number of deaths and injuries caused by these fires is still large, which means that these fires still exist, the dangers and risks that they expose the population notwithstanding (Home Security Action). Aim Loss of homes to domestic fires is very devastating as it causes trauma due to injuries and deaths. In addition, it leads to insecurity in every sense of the word, and this might take the form of displacement in terms of accommodation, poverty brought about by property loss, battling insurance claims and so on. The aim of this paper is to come up with an effective and robust strategy on how injuries and fatality cases relating to domestic fires can be mitigated. This strategy is specifically aimed at domestic fires that occur in multi-occupancy high-rise buildings which are under construction and provides overpopulated temporary housing for migrant workers. Risk Analysis Causes of Fire Some of the most common reasons as to why domestic fires abound include alcohol, smoking, use of hard drugs, carbon monoxide poisoning brought about by gas leaks, faulty electric cables use of candles and arson attacks. It is a well known fact that heavy alcohol intake is a primary source of domestic fires. This therefore means that those people who consume alcohol in reasonable amounts are less likely to fall victims to domestic fires as a result of alcohol intake. Smokers are no better than those who consume alcohol when it comes to prime causes of domestic fires, as a matter of fact, they are worse. Many cases relating to domestic fires are as a result of smoking. Use of hard drugs is also considered a popular source of these fires. Consumption of hard drugs clouds one’s judgment and can lead one to cause fire. Incidentally, the use of these drugs slows an individual’s reflexes, which leads to poor reaction by users to these drugs in the event of fire. Another common source of domestic fires that cannot go unnoticed is carbon monoxide poisoning as a result of gas leaks, gas cylinders that are not securely fitted and are not checked regularly can easily spark fire. Faulty electric cables and candles cannot be overlooked as most cases relating to domestic fires are closely related to these two, and thus they cannot be ignored as some of the popular causes of domestic fires. Arsonists are also a common feature with regards to domestic fires (Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service 3-10). Fire Safety Equipment Prior to ascertaining and implementing a foolproof reduction strategy on fire related-cases, it is important for people to take into account equipping themselves with fire safety equipment that can play a significant role in reducing the number of casualties in the event of a fire breakout. Some of these equipments include but are not limited to fire extinguishers, domestic fire doors, fire alarms, fire sprinklers, fire blankets and so on. Correct use of the fire protection equipment is one of the best ways that could assist in successfully mitigating domestic fire casualties. This could go an extra mile in averting serious damages on property and loss of lives which would otherwise be incurred if correct use of these fire safety equipments is not applied. Fire extinguishers may either contain carbon dioxide, water or foam which uses pressure to stop different types of fire. Thus before acquiring one, it is important that one picks the appropriate one for home consumption. Twenty five percent of people who die from domestic fire related causes in the United Kingdom are asleep during the time of fire. Smoke alarms bring into attention the presence of fire within the premises in which they are located. These alarms alert individuals thereby providing ample time to escape in the event of fire. This in effect might lead to lives and property being salvaged. Smoke alarms should be checked on a regular basis. Fire blankets are wrappers used for fire protection and are fire proof in nature. They are effective when used in the kitchen in the event of a pan fire and come in handy when there is need to wrap up an individual whose clothes have caught fire. It is not advisable to put off pan fire through the use of any fire extinguishers or by using water. Fire sprinklers are gadgets fixed on the ceiling. These gadgets are separately operated by heat emanating directly from the fire beneath. Other than curbing fire, sprinklers raise an alarm once they are activated. Therefore, they alert an individual as well. Sprinkler systems should be designed, installed and maintained strictly by professionals and/or qualified contractors (Jackson and Day 222). Strategies The first strategy that should be taken into consideration with regards to the issue being addressed is the installation and maintenance of smoke alarms. Regular checks should be conducted subsequent to the installation of smoke alarms. These checks should be carried at regular intervals, probably on a monthly basis. On the other hand, checks on batteries fitted on these alarms should be carried out annually. The alarms should contain blinking lights in addition to the siren, the design of smoking alarms this way is specifically aimed at individuals with hearing difficulties. Minors need close adult attention. An escape route should be a priority as it is essential. A few factors should be considered when devising an escape route: First and most important is that there should be not less than two escape routes. Additionally, everyone should be notified of a pre-organized place of meeting outside where they can assemble as they wait for fire fighters. People with special needs should be taken into account when coming up with an escape plan. Such people include infants, elderly the sick and persons with disabilities. Those living adjacent to individuals with hearing difficulties should familiarize themselves with sign language to facilitate easier communication when need arises. Visitors should be briefed on the escape plan. Children of the ages between three and five should be taught and trained on basics that they should apply in the event of fire. Caregivers should have full knowledge of all possible escape routes, with tight instructions never to smoke and to immediately evacuate the children in the event of fire. It is also of very important that these caregivers be in possession of emergency phone numbers (Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service 14-16). Role and the Inter-Relationship of the Fire Service and other Emergency Services in Community Safety Events Inter-relationship Stake holders in community safety services include fire rescue service, police, parents, schools, doctors, health visitors/ social services, youth group teams, the media and group involvement services. On community safety events, fire services work hand-in-hand with these stake holders. The inter-relationship of these stakeholders is one which is aimed at mitigating recurring problems, thus problem-oriented partnership, also known as POP. The Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has in the past dealt with emergency issues as they occur. However, how the problems have been tackled is yet to be put on record. This in effect would mean that a database which enables problems, both small and large, be put on record and assessed. The search option enables viewing of all the problems that have been tackled and recorded in the database. This implies that the database contains all the problems tackled and the actions taken with regards to solving these problems. Consequently, the database can be used to tackle problems of similar nature in the event that they recur (Hanlon 10; Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services; Problem Oriented Partnership 5). Roles The Lancashire Fire Service in partnership with the above named stakeholders plays the following roles at community safety service events. They jointly work with health and social service providers to offer guidance and counselling to parents with regards to prevention of fire. This includes, putting smoke alarms into use, devising proper escape routes, appropriate behaviour in the event of fire and special information to family units on individuals with special needs. Research reveals that arson attacks are normally carried out by individuals who have personal problems and they use this channel as a way to express anger and resentment towards the community within which they live, fire services and other emergency services should use the community safety event forum to address such issues. They should work with the police to explain the legal implications with regards to an arson attack. It is important to note that most attacks are usually executed by children and adolescents who are trying to reach out for help. Adolescents or children who commit such acts usually are under pressure coping with personal related issues that may take the form of failure, stress, anger, frustration, abuse, loss, confusion and so on. Parents, social services, schools, youth group teams and group involvement services should jointly make an effort to identify and offer relevant advice to minors who are dealing with issues that affect their personal lives, arson attacks by minors is usually as a result of a problem lying within and these partners should aim to comprehensively address these problems. (Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services 21-23). Other key issues that should be addressed by the fire agency together with other community members during community safety events include partnering with doctors and health visitors to advice adults and adolescents on the dangers of smoking in an effort to persuade them make them to get rid of the smoking habit. The fire service should involve the media in an effort to create public awareness concerning the prevention of fire injuries should a fire incident occur. Prevention of fire and burn education should comprehensively be offered to students in schools and their respective family units. Incidentally, the fire service should vouch for insertion of this education in the school curriculum. The fire service should co-partner with other emergency services in the distribution and installation of smoke alarms in areas that are vulnerable and prone to fire, also known as high-risk areas. Fire services should use community event forums to advocate for low premium rates for buildings that have fire fighting equipment installed in them. Fire services together with other emergency services should come up with a fire response structure that is adequate. Problem-oriented partners should assist each other in establishing a network of emergency centres to attend to casualties in the event of a fire break-out. All the partners who participate in the community safety events should formulate and propose regulations and legislations that discourage smoking habits, and/or production of cigarettes less likely to spark fires. Additionally, there is need to advocate for a flame retardant cloth legislation and formulate legislation that enforces codes on buildings to ensure that every building has fire fighting equipment installed within (Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services 21-23). Control Measures Measures should be put in place to contain the fire risks pointed out above. Implementation of these risks would go an extra mile in decreasing the rate of fire breakouts in residential areas as well as reducing the number of casualties in such an event. These measures include discussed next. More than fifty percent of domestic fires take place while cooking. This is mainly attributed to deep oil fryers that easily catch fire. Therefore, before acquiring one, it is important that an individual acquires a thermostatically operated one and always ensure that it is attended to. In cases of open fires, the use of fire guards should be put into practice. Lighters and matchboxes should be put in a safe place away from children. Leaving candles unattended is extremely dangerous; candles should be put off before leaving a room, those using candles should ensure that they are completely put off at night. It is safer to use a spoon or a snuffer to put off a candle as blowing out a candle might lead to flying sparks that are likely to ignite fire. Along this line, it is unadvisable to leave children alone in the presence of lit candles. Smoking is the most common source of domestic fires. To this end, it is advisable to always make sure that cigarettes are properly stubbed out and contents in the ash tray safely disposed off. Individuals should refrain from smoking in bed. Close to fifty percent of deaths and fatalities resulting from domestic fires occur from 10 pm to 8 am when people are either heavily asleep or under alcohol influence; therefore, it is advisable to be careful late in the evening. Heavy alcohol drinkers are more likely to die or get injured as result of domestic fires compared to light drinkers or teetotallers. It is advisable that heavy drinkers take the following tips into account: Prior to leaving the house, they should make sure that the television, tumble drier, washing machine, and the computer are turned off. Second, check the smoke alarm before going to bed. It is also recommended that one never cooks while under alcohol influence. It is safer to carry takeaway meals, or better still, prepare a sandwich. It is also important to check on any faulty electric cable that might be hanging loosely around the house and confirm if the wiring is proper. One should also rectify plugs that are badly wired and ensure that all sockets are not overloaded. This should be augmented with a regular routine of checkups as a measure to ensure safety of the house. These checkups should be carried out after short intervals - at least after every twenty four hours, preferably before going to bed. Domestic fires also start as a result of leaking gas cylinders that might lead to explosion or carbon monoxide poisoning. As a safety measure therefore, it is necessary to contain fire risks caused by a gas cylinder. Poisonous gas fumes can be identified through drowsiness, headaches, blurred vision and so on. Thus, to contain risks relating to lethal gas fumes, individuals should ensure that gas cylinders and boilers are checked on a regular basis, ensure that boilers and gas cylinders are properly fitted, install an alarm system that would go off once a smoke is detected, and when suspicious of a gas leak, ensure enough ventilation by opening all doors and windows, switch off the gas at the source, and never switch lights off or on (Stollard and Abrahams 115-120: Lancashire Fire and Rescue Services 4 -10). Resources used to achieve objectives at community events Fire rescue services are well equipped with resources to achieve ends at various community safety events. Some of these resources comprise of mobile cinemas that show films relating to fire safety, chip pan fires for demonstration purposes and mobile vehicles playing loud music for road show purpose. Other means include devising games such as fire quizzes, human resources to assist in matters such as distribution of pamphlets, fire manuals, giveaway smoke alarms and so on. There are also fire rescue services personnel to answer questions that community members at the safety events might have regarding fire safety (West Yorkshire Fire Service). Conclusion The strategies pointed out above are very effective when it comes to reducing the number of injuries and fatalities caused by domestic fires in multi-occupancy high-rise buildings which are under construction and provide overpopulated temporary housing for migrant workers. Considering that these dwellings are densely populated, emphasis should be placed on smoke detectors, fire sprinklers and a comprehensive escape plan. The three types of smoke detectors, that is, photoelectric, heat, and ionization smoke detectors are guaranteed to go off and give early warnings. The more the smoke detectors are installed in their diverse forms, the safer it is, more so if the occupants alter electricity and gas in their areas of cooking. Works Cited Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service. Community safety strategy. 2006-2010 Hanlon, David. Fire and Rescue Manual: Fire Service Operations. United Kingdom: TSO (The Stationery Office), 2008. Home Security Action: Fire Safety U.K: What You Can Do to Prevent Fires (n.d) [online] Jackson, Albert and David Day. Popular Mechanics Complete Home How To: New York, NY: Sterling Publishers, 2009. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service. Problem Oriented Partnerships: Quick Guide (n.d) 19th June 2010. Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service: Helping you and your family stay safe (n.d) 18th June 2010. Stollard, Paul and John Abrahams. Fire from First Principles: A Design Guide to Building Fire Safety. United Kingdom: Taylor and Francis, 1999. West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service. Community Safety. (n.d) Read More