MESSAGE TO HOUSEHOLDERS

Opunake Times, 26 August 1947, Page 2

MESSAGE TO HOUSEHOLDERS

(To the Editor) Sir—This article is written to serve two purposes. Firstly, .to inform you that Opunake now has a fully equipped Fire Brigade for the protection of life and property in the event of fire. The Motto is "Ever Ready and Willing." Secondly, to point out to the general public the most common (1) Fire Hazards, (2) Causes of Fires, (3) What to do if a fire occurs, (4) Methods of Prevention. Cases which could be classified as serious Fire Hazards are (1) Heaps of Kubbifih and old Eags and Sacking especially if impregnated with ojd oil or furniture polish likely to cause spontaneous, combustion, (2) Eubbish, Dead Grasn or Dead Fences round and up against the house or buildings, (3) The storing of goods, Furniture, Cases, etc.. against or across doorways, windows or passages. These have been resoousible for 10 per cent, of the Annual Fire loss in the Dominion. There are many others but I just wish to point out those which are least thought of. The most common causes of fiie, which statistics have proved the cause of 33 per cent, of the Fire Loss in this country over a number of years are: (1) Sparks from open fireplaces, (2) Sparks from open door of cooking range, (3) Using wood too long for the copper, (4) Careless' disposal of lighted cigarettes, matches, and pine ashes placed in a pocket, (5) Children playing-with matches, (6) Dirty and unswept chimneys,, (7) Failure to disconnect electrical, appliances at plug, (8) The dangerous practise of smoking in bed. Thoughtlessness and carelessness has a lot to do- with the causes enumerated, and common sense will prevent most fires. "Paddy's" advice is good —"Put the darned thing out before it Starts, Bedad!" What to do if fire bieafcs out: (1) Advise'the Brigade immediately, no matter how small it may seem. Delay may be fatal. To warn the Brigade go to the Fire Station, ring" the bell and wait there until members arrive. Above all, be sure to ring the bell. The Post Office has a full list of Brigade members connected by telephone and will connect you with any member immediately. (2) Never hesitate because the fire is small, we would prefer to turn out, no- matter what time it may be and find the fire out. than to arrive too late. (3) When a fire occurs, immediately close all doors and windows and stop all draught to confine the fire. Make sure no* one is in the building. Call the Brigade and endeavour to keep the fire from spreading by removing cur fains, papers, light clothing or anything which may ignite quickly. If fire is among furniture or round the fireplace use water or fire extinguisher, or smother with a heavy woollen ruff. BUT if amongst fat, tar, kerosene, oil or benzine, do not use water. Smother this class of fire with sand, earth, wet sacks or blankets. Soda Acid Ex-, tino-uishers are also effective if available.

What not to do: (1) Do not get unduly excited. (2) Do not open doors and windows. (3) Do not leave heaps of Oily Rags, Paint Rags, Rubbish, Paper, Sacking or Straw in buildings or .sheds. (4) Do' not use Benzine or Turps, etc., near a fire when cleaning clothing. Or "Boil Fat, Tar, or any inflamable mixture iin t^e.kitchen range. (5) Do not throw hot ashes near" the house or fence. Put. them in an old tin (ir a. hole in the ground and Uirow a little water on them, (o) Do not let the children handle Kerosene Lamps and Candles, or rlay with Matches. (7) Do not leave the house without first making sure all electrical appliances have been disconnected, plugs removed from holders and lights switched off. (8) Have your chimneys cleaned regularly, no chimney is safe if fire is allowed to bum fiercely. Plaster between the bricks may be disturbed, letting fire through, and this is hard to detect. (9) DO NOT (as is the case in many fires.) hamper the Brig-ade in its work by crowding round or blocking the thoroughfare with your cars etc. I could enumerate maiiy other "Dents" but space will not allow. I nirfit just appeal to you, use common sense. Always remembering that we ar<» n Volunteer Body anxious to assist in the protection of life anH (Continued foot of next column)

property. Do not hesitate to call us. The members worked strenuously for over 2 years to give a fire fighting- service worthy of your town. The well equipped Tank Tender is loaded for action and we are also proud of our new Fire Station. Though our Fire Tender only carries 800 gallons of water we can assure you of effective service if called promptly. Should the town decide at an earlv date to put in the much needed water supply, the. Brigade and its equipment will be sufficient for many years. The Official Opening will take place next Saturday wnen you will have the opportunity of seeing the local brigade and members of visiting brigades, including- the Taranaki Champion, in action. Eead this carefully, cut it out and keep in a prominent place. Tours, etc., P. T. AITKEN Superintendent.