CEBU, Philippines - FO1 Wendell Villanueva, public information officer of the Provincial Fire Protection Office, warns house owners of the dangers of iron-grilled or barricaded windows.
“House owners who install grills in their windows in order to prevent burglars and other culprits from entering into their house could have also, in a way, put their lives in danger,” he expressed in an interview last March 2, a day after the opening program to mark the observance of Fire Prevention Month.
“Every opening that is grilled or barricaded,” he said citing documents, “offers false security.”
“Life is more precious than property and fire does not spare life,” he added. “The human flesh is so frail that it can even succumb to smoke when trapped by it.”
Here are tips he shared based on “How to Prevent Fire (Safety Measures and Precautions)” book:
• If one should install iron grills on his windows, he should not fail to consider the danger he is going to face in case of fire or other emergency. It would be wise to construct two stairways at the opposite parts of the house whenever possible. At the ground floor, an exit door should never be nailed closed or obstructed by hardly movable heavy objects.
• If one should install grill on his windows, he must provide at least two sufficient openings or two un-grilled windows at opposite sides as far as possible in each floor and opening into an appropriate space for a safe drop.
• One prevalent practice of house owner that defeats the requirement of openings for fire exit purposes is the use of grills that can be opened and closed with padlocks. By padlocking the grill frames, the window is virtually closed. In case of emergency, it is probable that the one trapped in the house may panic and forget where the key is, or the flame might have blocked his way to where the key is kept. It is therefore, wiser to provide merely shutters that can be bolted but can easily be opened in case the windows are to be used for emergency exit.
Handling and using gasoline
Gasoline is a dangerous liquid. It can cause explosion, fire and even sickness if used inappropriately. Gasoline vaporizes easily. Its vapors can cause instant fire when it gets in contact with open flames, matches, lighted cigarettes, static electricity, welding sparks, sparking electrical motors and others. Here are tips to utilize this substance safely:
• Pouring gasoline from one can to another may cause static electricity. When transferring gasoline from the can from which it is being poured, the can should be in contact with the container to which it is being transferred, or a bonding of metals should connect the two containers. This should be done in areas free of sources of fire. Gasoline spills should be cleaned up immediately to prevent vaporization.
• Gasoline in small amounts should always be kept in an approved container properly labeled with the word “GASOLINE”. It should be placed in a container that has a top that closes firmly or automatically so that no vapors can escape from the can and become ignited.
• Empty gasoline cans or containers are very hazardous. It contains vapor which when mixed with proper amount of air can cause violent explosion when ignited. To prevent accident, safety precautions should be observed. Make sure that these containers do not contain vapors that have explosive mixture before performing welding, soldering or other jobs that can cause ignition.
• Gasoline should never be used as a cleaning agent for tools or equipment. Use of gasoline to remove oil from garage floors should be prohibited. Non-flammable compounds are commercially available for this purpose.
• Never use gasoline to wash hands of dirt and grease. This is very hazardous. It can cause severe skin irritation. It is also very dangerous when inhaled. It can cause poisoning. Signs and symptoms are headache, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and drowsiness.
•Gloves, clothing or any materials soaked in gasoline should be disposed of properly. Fatal accident can happen to those who have spilled gasoline on their clothing upon walking near a heater or lighting a cigarette.
• Gas filling should be done outdoors.