Fire Prevention Education

The Department on request educates, and carries out inspection, compiles information and submits report of findings to occupants.

Fire Prevention Guidelines

Bonfires need particular care.
Make one person responsible for the bonfire.
Don’t use flammable liquids such as kerosene or petrol.
Don’t burn dangerous rubbish such as tires, foam-filled furnitures, aerosols, tins of paint and bottles.
Make sure these are taken right away from the area.
Before lighting the bonfire, check the construction to make absolutely sure that there are no children or animals inside.
Two (2) 10lbs dry chemical fire extinguishers.
A first aid kit should be on hand.

PUBLIC SAFETY EDUCATION

The VI Fire and Rescue Services Department believes that it is important for all persons in the community to be educated about fire prevention. The goal is to ensure that all persons comply with fire safety requirements to eliminate the cause of fire, prevent loss of life and destruction of property by fire. We have put together some little things you can do that could make a big difference.

Home Safety and Apartment Safety:

Improve fire safety in your home or apartment through monthly inspections. Make sure you check all the rooms in your house or apartment to pick up on any fire hazards. If you find anything suspicious we want you to take action to correct them and make your home hazardous free. Also, have a fire escape plan for the family.

What to look for during inspection?

· Don’t overload electrical circuits.

· Make sure extension cords are not frayed.

· Keep matches, lighters and candles away from children.

· Don’t store newspapers and other rubbish in damp, warm areas. A fire may ignite, spontaneously.

· Keep flammable liquids and aerosols away from heat source, like a stove. Pilot lights can set vapors on fire. Put them in a distant location.

· Make sure to dispose of outdated and empty cans. They are a fire hazard.

· Install a smoke detector in your home and replace the batteries twice a year. Test the detectors weekly. Put a smoke detector outside each bedroom in the home. Homeowners and apartment owners must ensure that detectors are installed.

· Get a fire extinguisher and learn how to use it. The fire department is willing to teach you for a small fee.

Avoid the risk! Protect your Property and Life from Fire

Cooking in the Kitchen?

We have a few suggestions to help you minimize the risk of a fire.

· When cooking, stay in the kitchen. Do not leave the food unattended.

· Wear short sleeves and tight fitting clothes. Avoid your sleeves getting caught in the fire.

· Pay attention to what you are doing. Don’t become distracted.

· Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area.

· Turn the pot handles facing inward. This helps to prevent burns, especially when the pots are overfilling.

· Make sure that towels, potholders, and papers are away from the fire. They could burn.

· If there is a fire in the pan or pot, don’t pick it up. Use the pot lid to smother the fire. Avoid using water; the splashing may spread the fire.

Be Safe and Cook with Care

What if a fire is in your Apartment or Home?

· Call 911, for the fire department immediately.

· Quickly alert others. Activate the fire alarm if there is one.

· Try and get everyone out. Stay low. Close the door as you leave.

High-rise Building Safety:

High-rise building fires can be confined to the area where it started. However, smoke and heat can travel throughout the building, especially upward. We recommend that a sprinkler system be installed. What a sprinkler system does is once a fire outbreak the sprinkler head will be able to project water on to the fire.