IN A NEW ROLE

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12887, 13 June 1936, Page 12

IN A NEW ROLE

SIR JOHN SIMON AS STAR. IN

NEW FILM

WINDOW-JUMP HINTS IN EVENT

OF FIRE

Sir John Simon, the British Homo Secretary, is a film star! At least that is the role he wilt

take in a picture which is to he shown, in. cinemas throughoait Great Britain. The film deals with the methods of fire protection and illustrates suggestions iri a. Home Office pamphlet issued to ‘help householders dealing with fire.

Sir John explained why the Horne Office published a pamphlet. Eight hundred lives, it- was estimated, were lost lost year and many

thousands of persons were injured thomgh. fire, damage to the extent of £20,000,000 having been incurred.

Prevention was better than anv action after the outbreak, and attention given to defective stoves, flues, hearths and grates would eliminate the causes of many fires.

The provision of a guard for an. open fire, especially when unattended would prevent many fires. The Home Office was anxious tLr.f action should be based on correct and well-tried methods. Mo.su of the fatalities ‘arising from burning clothing, said Sir John,, could be avoided it' correct action were taken immediately.

A person, whose clothes are on. fire should not remain standing. If he started to run he should be tripp'd up, and rolled on the floor in a rug. coat or blanket until the flames have been subdued.

Many serious accidents, too, wore the result of jumping from windows By sitting on the window sJL with the legs outside, turning over face inwards and sliding out gradually until the fingers grip the sill, then letting go. the falling distance was reduced, and ther..* was a better chance of dropping on the feet instead of on the head or spine. Speedy communication with tho fire brigade was emphasised. . Among the hints in the Home Office pamphlet are: The arvantages of moving as close o the floor as possible. The moving of an insensible person acmes a room and downstairs. \

Escape by window. { The opening of doors in a. burn-

ing house

The search for the occupants of a house on fire. The methods are illustrated in a. manner which render their operation easily understood.