(M D I)

TOPIC; CAUSES OF FIRE OUT BREAK IN GREATER BANJUL AREA

AND THE CONSEQUENCES ON THE VICTIMS

SUBMITED IN PARTIAL FULLFILMENT OF THE

REQUIREDMENT FOR THE AWARD OF DIPLOMA IN
MANAGEMENT STUDIES (D M S)

BY: ALHAGIE NJIE

.
DATE: DECEMBER 2017
.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The successful completion of this research was aided by the contribution

And assistance of several people. I am especially indebted to

My adviser MR LAMIN SANYANG for his encouragement and guidance

Throughout my Diploma program. He has made a significant contribution to the leaning

experience in my program.

I would like to thank the organizations and individuals that have given their time and
insight to this research throughout.

DEDICATION.

This thesis is dedicated to my family both in the Gambia and abroad, friends and love
ones. I will like to dedicate, it to my Lecturers at the Management Development
Institute. Will also like to dedicate it to my director, chief fire officer, Deputy Chief Fire
officer, Assistant chief fire officers, for approving my sponsor to further my education
and my entire organization. And a special thanks to my relatives, family and friends.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER ONE…………………………………………………………………….1

Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………………..1

Problem statement…………………………………………………………………………………1

Context…………………………………………………………………………………………………..2

Problems identification…………………………………………………………………………..2

Objectives………………………………………………………………………………………….......2

Scope of the study………………………………………………………………...........................3

Justification and policy implication………………………………………………………….3

CHAPTER TWO..................................................................................................4

Literature review……………………………………………………………………………………..4

Causes of outbreak of fire……………………………………………………………….4

Effects of fire outbreak and other emergency…………………………………………..7

Emergency evacuation and prevention plans…………………………………………7

Emergency management…………………………………………………………………………10

Fire prevention………………………………………………………………………………………11

methodology…………………………………………………………………………….18

Research design CHAPTER THREE.............................................................................................18

Research …………………………………………………………………………………..18

Data collection and analysis………………………………………………………………..18

Research questions …………………………………………………………………………….18

CHAPTER FOUR ……………………………………………………………….19

Data analysis and interpretation………………………………………………………….19-20

CHAPTER FIVE………………………………………………………………………….21

Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………………21-22

Recommendation……………………………………………………………………………..23

References page………………………………………………………………………………….24
CHAPTER ONE:

TOPIC

CAUSES OF FIRE OUT BREAK IN GREATER BANJUL AREA AND THE CONSEQUENCESE ON THE
VICTIMS

INTRODUCTION

There is always a need to think about preventing a scenario than curing a problem. I am
optimistic when we apply the required measures for the protection of the environment
against all forms of devastating cases, we still see the way forward.

Emergency prevention is one of the primary community services provided

By most local governments. In larger cities, emergency protection is provided

By a full-time, professional fire department. One of the basic activities

Carried out by these departments is fire prevention.

The prevention of fires can result from many factors other than

fire department efforts. However, as being used here, fire prevention is

the set of activities performed by fire department personnel for the purpose

of preventing the occurrence of fires and reducing the potential

seriousness of fires. Typical fire prevention activities include building

Inspections and education of public and private groups. These activities

Are usually the responsibilities of a separate division within the department,

Such as a "Fire Prevention.

Hence, fire and emergency preparedness cannot be over emphasized, there are
numerous ways in which disasters can be averted, some of them are as follows;

Public sensitization campaigns; these shall be characterized by mass media shows.

Recruiting and training professional fire fighters shall be proactive in their services
delivery.
Problem statement

The perspective of problem statement in this work shall be looked at from different dimensions.

Thus, this shall be endeavoring to make both the fire services and other emergency response
services risk aversive.

The proposed piece of work shall answer the question of general wellbeing and safety with the
scope of the fire and rescue services of the Gambia.

My work is also intended to minimize the number of deaths/ year which is largely due to breakout of
fires and other forms of incidence.

This work shall be a base for informed judgment on decision-making.

Moreover, the problem statement of this work will not only ask about the problems you
intended to solve but will also create a dam between knowledge and deficiency.

Therefore, I shall endeavor to bridge the differences that exist between the known and the
unknown.

In this situation entire populace shall be required to give support to the local fire
brigade; the live to save might be your own; this can be achieved through continuous
uninterrupted communication. This form of communication shall merge ideas together,
hence bridge the knowledge difference.

Context

The content of the ideas shall be characterized by the varieties of preventive measures
available. Any measure that is figure out shall be carefully discussed; analyzed and
relevant argument shall be captured from it. I shall embark on a regular observation of
few emergency cases and fine out possible solution for the way forward. Therefore, the
bulk of the work shall be centered case studies of previous occurrences and how they
were tackled, if there were malfunctioning, then there can be remedies to the mission
faults.

Problems Identification

The problems I might go through during the execution of this of work shall be but not
limited to the following;

Financial resources constrain.

Inadequate knowledge in data collection tools and techniques.

To management commitment in project implementation might be a challenge.

General objective

To transform the Gambia Fire Department to a professional and proactive institution

towards emergency prevention, protection and control.

Specific objectives

TO encourage and promote safer living conditions in our neibourhood.

To build the capacities of fire fighters in order to be able to prevent disasters.

To encourage all stakeholders to invest in to fire preventive measures,

To protect the destruction of property by fire.

To embark on mass media sensitization fora in order to minimize the appearance of fire
fighters and firefighting appliances in emergency areas.

To cut governmentexpenditure on the purchases of fuel and equipment vehicles for

firefighting purpose.

SCOPE OF THE STUDY

This study shall be limited in scope with the fire services and it stakeholders such as
NAWEC, KMC, NDMA and the physical planning department.

JUSTIFICATION AND POLICY IMPLICATION

As we can all see with our eyes that the Gambia is not a disaster prone area but that will
not lead us to relent in our effort to avoid maintaining a conducive environment that
will establish measures of safety.

It is common knowledge that there cannot be security without safety; therefore, safety
and security are referred to as internal and external watch dogs.

I shall prove this piece of material justifiably perfect that it worth a million dollar
investment to go in to this jurisdiction. Many people have suffered a great lost of lives
and damages to properties largely due to the lack of proper knowledge in first hand fire
appliance, the key of knowledge is smoke alarm and gas detectors, and insufficient
knowledge in home safety management technique and tactics.

The internet could also be adopted. The literature review shall follow the A.P.A format
and it shall be relevant to the study
 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

The research methodology shall follow a non probability sampling technique. Survey
and questionnaires shall be issue. The questionnaires shall be structured.

CHAPTER TWO:

LITERATURE REVIEW:

The reasons for the outbreak of fires

It’s virtually possible to point out the factors which brought about the outbreak of fires
around the kanifing municipal area. For a fire to start, three components are needed: a
source of ignition(e.g. naked flames),fuel (e.g. flammable liquid) and oxygen(the main
source of which is in the air around us).If any one of these components is missing, a fire
cannot start. Taking steps to avoid the three coming together will therefore reduce the
chances of a fire occurring.

However, almost 150 compounds have encountered the outbreak of fire every year in
KMC region. Compounds and workplaces in the Kanifing municipal area have been
affected because some people do not know how to prevent themselves away from fire
and other emergencies; others violate the preventives measures that are needed for fire
and other emergencies. All these incidents occur due to the following reasons;

CANDLES AND CANDLE ENDS

Candles and candle ends cause a great deal of fires outbreak. These normally happen
because of several reasons. Parents or housekeepers do not mine to consider safer
places for candles, they constitute a class of fire and they can easily melt and drop down
on any combustible surface. Candle wax is however very flammable. Placing candle on
surfaces such as wood tables, television or even near clothes could be disastrous
because it can start a fire.

Furthermore, a television is considered to be an electronic item and when involve in a

fire situation it may generate toxic chemicals that may not be stopped by the best PPE
worm by fire fighters and it may result in life lung health problem.

Parents should never rest the burden of proper housekeeping on children because
whenever you are absent they will play with fire in the house since children are fire
happy, the male child will take the responsibility of the father and the female the
mother, therefore, the end result will be a burnt down house.

However, you are hereby authorized as a house keeper to either use spoons or snuffer
to off your candles when going to bed at night. Clothes close to candles on fire may get
heated to their ignition temperature which may not be notice by any house keeper.
GAS LEAK

Gases are items that we use in our homes and offices, very often than we apply the rules
or principles governing them. Some people sleep with gases in the same room, some
place them in the sitting room and moreover, they misuse and abuse them not
remembering that these pieces of items can cause a great destruction.

However, gases especially butane which is most widely use should always be kept in the
kitchen and far away from the reach of children, they should never be switch on where
there is naked light or flames as this could cause a fire.

MATCHES

The wrong uses of matches in our homes is characterized by the start, grow and
development of many domestic fires especially in certain part of the country were
people uses matches. Homes that are particularly made up of thatch roofs are prone to
catching fire as a result of matches.

However, very often than not adults play with matches, this is normally a children game.
children should not be expose to matches because a child playing with a match will
never know whether it hurts unless and until he or she start feeling it on the fingers
then the child throw it away, this can land on any combustible surface. Moreover, any
child involve in this will never accept his innocently and he or she will never admit that
it is happening at a corner of the room. Before we realize what is going on, the whole
house is set ablaze. We may ask ourselves this question. How would life be like if ones
entire belonging are destroyed by fire?

ELECTRICAL FAULT

Electricity although do not constitute a class of fire but it counts a good number of fires
especially in our homes and offices, there are several causes of electrical short circuits.
These may include poor wiring system, the use of unqualified electricians for electrical
installation and the use of nonstandard electrical fittings such as adapters, sockets etc.
avoid using second hands and mass products because they can easily start a fire.
ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES

These items are commonly found in industrialize places where most people live by
electricity. We have numerous electrical appliances in our homes that vary in their
energy consumption. These appliances could be radios, television, refrigerators, heaters
etc., they make life easy but they can also start fires in our homes and offices, it is only in
this light that they should be properly taken care of. Of cause they can cause fire but this
fire could be averted by the application of a proper preventing measures.

FUMEGATION

This is a traditional activity that has been admired by many people because it creates a
happy environment with a nice sense of living. These pots or containers causes a lot of
house fires, yet still they are not clearly looked in to people who use them always fails to
consider certain precaution such as not to place them under or near any electrical short
circuit, beds, clothes and so on.

CHIP PAN FIRES

Our wives, daughters, and even ourselves most of the time tries to be very good cooks
which most the time turn to a funny dreamer because we normally do one or two things
that are totally wrong. Imagine someone cooking ended up filling the frying pan more
than 2/3 fats or oil. Always remember that wet chip in to hot oil is an explosive as water
does not match with oil simply because water has a density of 1000g/cm and oil has a
density of 7.5g/cm. 0il is always found collecting on the surface of water. Consider
burning oil to be out of control, never throw chips in to it and never leave chips pan
unattended because it may start a fire.

CIGARETTE ENDS

This is not only account for most house fire out breaks but dustbin fire. Cigarette ends
are most of the time thrown in dustbin while not completely extinguished by smokers.
Let us consider the type of astray; are they wooden plastic or nylon, if there are
cigarettes ends, may cause fire outbreak in the house, but we sometimes rapidly pass
them to the dustbin where they finally cause fire.

SMOKING IN BED

Smoking is considered as the act of drawing air in and out of the lungs. Although it is
purely regarded as an adult habit but it is a bad habit that some people take for a life
time. The worst part of cigarette smoking is the issue of smoking in bed, habitual
smokers tend to smoke in bed and constituently fall asleep. This may cause some one’s
life and properties as the entire bed could be on fire which may rapidly grow and
develop.

Effect of fire out break and other emergencies

It has a very negative effect between the people of kanifing municipal area because, the
outbreak of fire that we are experiencing makes many people to lose their lives and
properties in fire especially food items.in the year 2013 one jattakunda in ebo town who
lost their mum, and two of their children’s in fire this happens because when the fire
was burning the emergency vehicle could not have the access to reach the fire zone,
compounds were so attach to each other and there was no other way to be used, whiles
the fire was very serious at that time which lead them to lost three [3] of their family
members, properties and even make them poor on the same day. This was very sad
news. How can one be if he lost everything he has in life?

The effect of fire out break can lead to the following;

Dead

Damage of properties

Poverty

Injuries

Stress etc.

EMERGENCY EVACUATION AND PREVENTION PLANS

Emergencies in the workplace can develop into disasters if they are not addressed in
the appropriate manner. Disasters can be man-made (fires, structural collapses,
explosions, and chemical releases) or can develop from natural events (floods,
tornadoes, hurricanes, earthquakes, and lightning). Therefore, preplanning a facility’s
response to an emergency and a facility’s fire prevention strategy can minimize
suffering and losses.

This safety requirement and procedure provides guidelines for implementing

emergency evacuation and fire prevention plans in our homes and the workplaces. It
includes provisions for training and requirements for the emergency evacuation plans,
fire prevention plans, and employee alarm systems.
Emergency Action Plans

Emergency action plans, or EAPs, describe the actions employees should take to ensure
their safety in the event of a fire or other emergency. Well-developed EAPs and proper
employee training (to ensure employees understand their roles and responsibilities
under the plan) will result in fewer and less severe employee injuries, in addition to less
damage to the facility during emergencies. An EAP must be in writing, kept in the
workplace and available to all employees for review. An employer with 10 or fewer
employees may communicate the plan orally.

The purpose of the emergency fire action plan is:

• To ensure that people on the premises know what to do if there is a fire; and,

• To ensure that appropriate action is taken in the event of fire and that the premises
can be safely evacuated.

EAP Considerations

Any emergency situation that can affect the operation of your facility such as:

Security issue (hostages, robberies, etc.)

Hazardous materials incident

Fire

Building collapse

Natural gas leak

Mandatory Elements

All EAPs must have the following:

Procedures for reporting a fire or other emergency

Procedures for emergency evacuation, including the type of evacuation and exit route
assignments

Procedures to be followed by employees who must remain behind to operate critical

plant/facility equipment/operations before they evacuate

Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation

Procedures to be followed by employees performing rescue or medical duties

Name and job title of every employee who may be contacted by employees needing
more information about the plan or an explanation of their duties under the plan

Developing an EAP

A very simple plan will suffice for offices, small retail shops and small manufacturing
locations where there are few or no hazardous materials processes and employees
evacuate when alarms sound or they’re notified by the public address system.

More complex plans are required in facilities that:

Contain hazardous materials

Have employees who fight fires or perform rescue and medical tasks

Delay evacuation after alarms sound so they can shut down critical equipment

EAPs must be site specific with respect to:

Emergency conditions evaluated

Evacuation policies and procedures

Emergency reporting procedures, mechanisms and alarm systems

EAP – Planning Process

These elements should be addressed:

Preferred procedures for reporting emergencies, such as dialing a particular phone

number or using a manual fire alarm

A description of the alarm system to be used to notify employees

An evacuation policy, procedure and escape route assignment so employees

understand:

Who is authorized to order an evacuation

Under what conditions an evacuation would be necessary

How to evacuate

What routes to take

• Procedures should describe what actions employees are to take before and while
evacuating, such as shutting windows, turning off equipment, etc.

EAP’s should also include:

• Procedures for sheltering in place

• Procedures for employees who may be required to use fire extinguishers or shut
down electrical systems or other special equipment that could be damaged if left
operating

• Procedures to account for all employees after evacuation. This includes assigned safe
meeting locations, who will take a roll call, etc.

EAP’s should also include:

• A description of how employees will be informed of the contents of the plan and
trained in their roles and responsibilities

• A list of key personnel who should be notified during off-hour emergencies.

Emergency Management

Emergency management has traditionally been viewed as a four-phase approach:

Preparedness

Response

Recovery

and mitigation

Prevention, preparedness and mitigation are closely related. They all deal with the concept of
eliminating or at least minimizing impacts of a disaster or incident. Prevention can also take the
form of increased security measures on a property. Preparedness is used commonly in
reference to educating and training residents or personnel, pre-planning, and identifying
resources in advance. Mitigation can be carried out before or after an incident. Strapping down
equipment, installing hurricane clips on roofs, and building storm shelters are all examples of
mitigation. Implementing any of these phases involves money and time, so they may be given
insufficient attention in some organizations.

Response generally refers to the immediate actions taken after an incident to save lives and
protect assets. Lessening or eliminating subsequent impacts also falls in this category, such as
putting out a fire in one building before it spreads to an area filled with explosives or cleaning
up a hazardous material spill before it causes more contamination of the environment.
Recovery starts almost immediately with response and includes the cleanup and return to
normal, or better than normal. Recovery can be a short or long process depending upon the
incident. If an organization has to recover from a major fire, for example, the recovery process
may include extensive, lengthy medical treatment for victims, interactions with insurance
companies and fire inspectors, or closing a site and relocating the entire business.
.

Fire Prevention:

Fire Prevention is potentially the most powerful strategy for reducing both life and
property fire hazards.

The most important thing that can be done to protect people from a fire is to prevent it
from occurring. By preventing the outbreak of fire, you not only save lives, but also
avoid property damage.

Everyone has a responsibility to protect those that they support from fire. Assuring
adherence to common fire safety practices; regarding the use of appliances and other
dangerous items, and assuring that all fire protection systems are operating properly all
promote good fire safety. Practicing the Fire Plan is also an integrated component of a
well-rounded fire prevention program.

Fire Prevention Program is based on the following components that are outlined in this
Part of the Fire Safety and Emergency Guidelines:

ADHERING TO GENERAL FIRE SAFETY GUIDELINES: Vigilance and awareness can be

key tools to prevent fires. Following simple safety rules can also prevent fires. Listed
here are some common fire safety guidelines that should be practiced.

BUILDING FIRE PROTECTION FEATURES: Knowing and understanding a building’s fire

protection features and assuring required testing and maintenance is completed.
General Building Fire Safety Features are listed and explained.

CONDUCTING FIRE EVACUATION DRILLS: Having a plan is only the first step; it must
be consistently practiced.

Fire Prevention: General Fire Safety Practices

Listed in this section are some common fire safety practices that should be followed
throughout the Department in locations, which are under the jurisdiction of the FIRE
SERVICES.

COOKING

Never leave cooking food on the stovetop unattended, and keep a close eye on food
cooking inside the oven.

Keep cooking areas clean and clear of combustibles (e.g., potholders, towels, rags,
drapes and food packaging).
Turn pot handles inward so they can't be bumped or grabbed.

Wear short, close fitting or tightly rolled sleeves when cooking. Loose clothing can
dangle onto stove burners and catch fire.

Never use a wet oven mitt, as it presents a scald danger if the moisture in the mitt is
heated.

Always keep a potholder, oven mitt and lid handy. If a small grease fire starts in a pan,
put on an oven mitt and smother the flames by carefully sliding the lid over the pan.
Turn off the burner. Don't remove the lid until it is completely cool. Never pour water
on a grease fire and never discharge a fire extinguisher onto a pan fire, as it can spray or
shoot burning grease around the kitchen, actually spreading the fire.

If there is an oven fire, turn off the heat and keep the door closed to prevent flames from
burning you and your clothing.

If there is a microwave fire, keep the door closed and unplug the microwave. Call the
fire department and make sure to have the microwave oven serviced before you use it
again. Food cooked in a microwave can be dangerously hot. Remove the lids or other
coverings from micro waved food carefully to prevent steam burns.

OPEN FLAMES

Use of open flames, such as candles, is not suggested in any areas. Some occupancies
(i.e.: Health Care) may have additional requirements or prohibitions. Consult your local
Authority Having Jurisdiction for details.

In private residences, (e.g., Individual Supports / Own homes, etc…) where candles are
permitted, care should be taken to follow general safety rules:

Extinguish all candles when leaving the room or going to sleep. Keep candles away from
items that can catch fire (e.g., clothing, books, paper, curtains, Christmas trees,
flammable decorations). Use candleholders that are sturdy, won't tip over easily, are
made from a material that can't burn and are large enough to collect dripping wax.
Don't place lit candles in windows, where blinds and curtains can close over them. Place
candleholders on a sturdy, uncluttered surface and do not use candles in places where
they could be knocked over by children or pets. Keep candles and all open flames away
from flammable liquids. Keep candlewicks trimmed to one-quarter inch and extinguish
taper and pillar candles when they get to within two inches of the holder or decorative
material. Motives and containers should be extinguished before the last half-inch of wax
starts to melt. Avoid candles with combustible items embedded in them.

ELECTRICITY & EXTENSION CORDS

All appliances in use should be approved by a recognized laboratory (e.g., UL or FM).

Extension cords of any design shall only be used for temporary use. (e.g., Christmas
lights are temporary, electric razor recharging is temporary; aquariums are not
temporary).

Some occupancy (e.g., Health Care) may have additional requirements. Consult your
local Authority Having Jurisdiction for details.

The use of re-locatable power taps (multi strip surge protectors) is not permitted in
ICF-MR facilities, except for computers.

SMOKING

Designate a specific area where people can smoke; if in the home make sure there is a
smoke detector located in the space and non-combustible safety-type ashtrays are
provided.

Provide large, deep, non-tip ashtrays. Fill ashtrays with water before dumping their
contents into wastebaskets.

If the individual takes medication that might cause drowsiness, keep an eye on them
while they smoke. Assess the individual’s ability to safely use matches or a lighter and
whether the individual should be able to carry matches or lighters on their person.

Teach individuals the danger of fire as it relates to smoking. Never permit smoking in
bed.

ALTERNATIVE HEATING APPLIANCES

Use of any alternative heating appliances including fireplaces, space heaters and wood
stoves should be used only after consulting with the local Authority Having Jurisdiction.
Your local fire marshal or fire department can provide you with specific guidance in
your home about the use of these devices. In all cases, such appliances should be
installed, maintained and tested in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations
including the disposal of ash and debris

EXIT DOORS AND WINDOWS

Exit doors and windows shall be arranged and maintained to provide free and
unobstructed egress from all parts of the building at all times. No lock or fastening
device (e.g., chains, padlocks, hooks deadbolts, or key operated locks) shall be installed
to prevent free escape from the inside of the building, unless approved by the Authority
Having Jurisdiction. In family homes, consideration needs to be given to how the extra
locks will prevent escaping during a fire. This includes keeping clear of snow and ice in
the winter months.

FLAMMABLE & COMBUSTIBLE LIQUIDS

All flammable and combustible chemicals (e.g., paint thinners, paints, etc.) shall be
stored in original or approved containers, designed for that purpose. They shall be
stored separate from paper goods and shall be in appropriate metal cabinets. In
addition, only small quantities (consumer quantities) should be maintained in the home.

GASOLINE shall only be kept in approved containers, designed for that purpose and in
small amounts. This applies to licensed facilities and at family homes. GASOLINE should
be stored at least 20 ft. away from a structure and kept inaccessible to all occupants.

HAZARDOUS AREAS

A hazardous area is a space containing materials that, because of their basic nature (e.g.,
areas for cartooned storage of food or maintenance supplies, laundry areas, furnace
areas, etc.), represent a significantly greater fire hazard than would otherwise be typical
of the contents of the occupancy. These areas can be found in apartment buildings,

Special care should be taken in these areas to prevent fires.

Qualified personnel should inspect furnaces annually. Combustibles should be kept

clear of the furnace and doors to the furnace area should be kept closed at all times.

Laundry areas should be properly vented, including the dryer vent. Accumulation of
debris, lint and trash should also be avoided. The lint trap should be cleaned in between
every load of laundry.

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS

Family Homes need to use caution when utilizing live decorations. Families should
consider using UL or equivalent lighting, minimizing or eliminating candles and open
flame with the decorations and keep any live trees well watered.

Only decorations that are permitted by CT State Fire Safety Code shall be permitted in
licensed homes.

The use of cut Natural Christmas Trees, open flames and other flammable materials
including but not limited to, evergreen branches, paper or fabrics, etc., is PROHIBITED
by LAW in many residential occupancies. Consult your local Authority Having
Jurisdiction for details.

Decorations shall be so located as to not impede nor obstruct any stairs, doorway or
means of egress. All sources of temporary wiring shall be tested and listed by a
nationally recognized testing laboratory (UL) approved by the CT State Fire Marshal’s
Office. All Exterior outlets shall be Ground Fault protected. All wiring and power shall
meet National Electrical Code Requirements.

Additional Guidelines and Suggestions are available from your local Fire Marshal’s
Office each holiday season.

OXYGEN IN USE

Medical Oxygen has the capability of enhancing a fire and requires special attention to
ensure minimizing any fires in the area of medical oxygen. Smoking should be
discouraged and may be prohibited in areas where oxygen is present. Occupancies that
have occupants that use oxygen (gas, liquid or concentrators) should have written
procedures and safety policies in place that address use, storage, signage, evacuation
and other safety concerns. Consult your local Authority Having Jurisdiction and
reference Annex 4 for a sample Oxygen Procedure.

GRILLS- Propane and Charcoal

The AHJ may have restrictions in some homes (apartments, condominiums) for the use
of grills on upper floors. Every spring the user should check the tubes that lead into the
burner for any blockage from insects, spiders, or food grease. Use a pipe cleaner or wire
to clear blockage and push it through to the main part of the burner. Check grill hoses
for cracking, brittleness, holes, and leaks. Make sure there are no sharp bends in the
hose or tubing. Make sure gas hoses are as far away from the hot surface as possible,
including areas where grease could drip on them. If you can't move the hoses, install a
heat shield to protect them. Replace scratched or nicked connectors, which can
eventually leak gas. Check for gas leaks if you smell gas or when you reconnect the grill
to the LP-gas container. If you detect a leak, immediately turn off the gas and don't
attempt to light the grill until the leak is fixed. Keep lighted cigarettes, matches, or open
flames away from a leaking grill. Never use a grill indoors. Use the grill at least 10 feet
away from your house or any building. Do not use the grill in a garage, breezeway,
carport, porch, or under a surface that can catch fire. Do not attempt to repair the tank
valve or the appliance yourself. See a LP gas dealer or a qualified appliance repair
person. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions that accompany the grill.

NEVER use a charcoal grill inside the home, or any enclosed space even if ventilation is
provided.

Charcoal produces carbon monoxide (CO) a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you.

Use and keep the charcoal grill at least 10 feet away from any building.

Store charcoal lighter fluid and any other combustibles away from the house.
How to Deal with Fire Emergencies?

One helpful technique that is used to teach proper fire response is the

“R.A.C.E. PLAN”

REMOVE

ALERT

CONFINE

EXTINGUISH

The following general instructions explain these fundamental steps and provide
guidance in the event of an emergency. It must be understood and stressed that each
emergency will present itself in a unique way and with a different set of circumstances
each time. Therefore, staff must be creative and confident to implement these steps in
various situations.

In addition, it is important to note, that although these “steps” are presented in an

organized manner in order to provide guidance on the importance and general
sequence of these events, in the case of a true emergency, it could happen that many of
the functions of this Guideline will be conducted at the same time or in an order
appropriate to that specific situation. In all cases sound practical judgment, experience
and training will prevail.

Pending the arrival of the fire department or other back up and responding personnel,
YOU are the first line of defense. The lives of those entrusted to your care, and possibly
your very own, may well depend upon your reactions.

TO SUMMON HELP IN ANY EMERGENCY SITUATION...

IMMEDIATELY CALL.... 118

REMOVE

DO NOT PANIC - REMAINS CALM - DO NOT SHOUT OR YELL.

YOUR FIRST CONCERN IS FOR LIFE SAFETY - SAFETY OF THE OCCUPANTS, OTHER
STAFF AND YOURSELF IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE.

EVACUATE EVERYONE TO A POINT OF SAFETY. All occupants in the building must be

evacuated as quickly and as orderly as possible to a predesigned POINT OF SAFETY,
using the following guidelines:
ORDER OF REMOVAL OF OCCUPANTS:

Remove anyone in immediate danger (i.e., in the room of origin).

Evacuate occupants who can walk on their own. (This is done first to facilitate
evacuating the most, the fastest)

Evacuate occupants who cannot walk, require additional assistance, use walkers, etc.

Evacuate occupants who are connected to life sustaining devices or medical

management devices.

HOW TO EVACUATE THE OCCUPANTS:

Movement of any occupant shall be done as planned in advanced. As a general rule, the
method that is used during non-emergency situations is going to be the best method for
movement under emergency situations. (e.g., self-ambulating, assistance, wheelchair,
etc.) The method should be based on the information in the “Site Specific and
Emergency Plan”. In addition, consideration should be given to: What is the safest and
most efficient method to evacuate this individual in this specific emergency situation?
Staff in-service training should include removal methods, lifts, carries and drags that
will be used in each site.

WHERE TO EVACUATE:

ANYONE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER should utilize the nearest and most immediate EXIT.
If you have to escape through smoke, crawl on your hands and knees where air will be
cleaner. Test all doors in your escape path for heat prior to opening them. Always test
doors with the back of your hand. Remember to practice your escape plan several times
annually. In most Group Homes evacuation plans should call for the final evacuation to
be to the outside. However, the plan may include using “Staged Evacuation” techniques.
Staged Evacuation Techniques include staging occupants prior to complete evacuation.
If these areas of staging are Authority Having Jurisdiction approved “Interior Points of
Safety”, practice drills and timing of evacuation drills may end when occupants reach
that approved point of safety (whether it is an exterior or interior point of safety). Only
in Health Care Occupancies can Horizontal Exits, or Defend in Place techniques be
utilized. Some apartment buildings and office buildings that provide Day Services and
Supports may have Interior Points of Refuge; use of these areas should be planned for in
advance.

CONSULT YOUR SITE SPECIFIC FIRE AND EMERGENCY PLAN FOR THE POINTS OF
SAFETY THAT ARE AVAILABLE IN YOUR LOCATION.
At any time there is evacuation to the outside of the building, the evacuation should be
to a pre-determined “POINT OF SAFETY”. (See Site Specific Plan for your meeting
location.)

As each area is evacuated be sure to check all areas for occupants in, bathrooms, closets,
bedrooms, special purpose rooms, and staff rooms, etc. (all areas). In addition as each
area is vacated, be sure to close all doors to help confine the fire. Circulation and
exhaust fans should be shut down if safety and time allows.

ACCOUNTABILITY: As soon as all occupants are gathered in a safe place (either within
the building, in an area of refuge, or outside), someone (i.e. staff in charge) shall take a
roll call, using a checklist

ALERT

ALERT ALL NEARBY STAFF – By voice or use of code phrase. (This may be
accomplished simultaneously with the Remove step)

PULL THE NEAREST ALARM BOX IF PROVIDED. This will automatically notify the
occupants, and possibly the Fire Department and additional help. In addition this may
initiate automatic fire protection features of the building. See your Site Specific Fire and
Emergency Plan for details in your location.

CALL 118- If no fire alarm is available, immediately call 118. If there is an alarm system
available, make a back-up call to 118 as soon as everyone is in a point of safety.
Although redundant, this assures response and provides additional information to the
responders.

Give the dispatcher the following information:

NAME, LOCATION, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INCIDENT, ANSWER ALL QUESTIONS.

PREPARE TO FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS, AND DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL DIRECTED BY
THE DISPATCHER.

CONFINE

CONFINETHE FIRE BY CLOSING ANY DOORS, FIRE DOORS AND OTHER OPENINGS
INTO THE ROOM OR AREA OF ORIGIN.
Closing a door can be a very simple and effective method of containing the fire, buying
time for evacuation.

EXTINGUISH

EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. Attempt to extinguish the fire only after all occupants are in a
point of safety (unless extinguishment of the fire is needed to evacuate, i.e., fire is
between you and the door). Any attempts to extinguish the fire should be considered a
“Last-Resort”. Evacuation should always be your first priority. Attempt to extinguish the
fire only if staff is trained, and it is appropriate to the circumstance.

Rules for Fighting Fires

Never fight a fire if:

You do not know what is burning and you do not know what type of extinguisher to use

•even if you have an ABC (multi-purpose) extinguisher, there may be something in the fire,
which could explode or produce toxic smoke.

•if you do not know what is burning, wait for the fire department

The fire is spreading rapidly beyond the spot where it is started •the time to use the fire
extinguisher is in the beginning stages of the fire.

•if the fire is spreading quickly, it is best to simply evacuate the building, closing windows and
doors as you leave.

THE WAY FORWARD

To sensitize people to stop people settle ling any water ways.

Community participation during community exercise.

And also for government, NGOS, individual philamtropite and UN agencies to come to
aid of those affected.
In terms of collaborating with other emergency services, co-locating and the sharing of back-
offices are almost certain to lead to efficiencies. However, collaboration needs to go much
further. In terms of co-responding, due to the perceived different nature of the work of the
police, both by fire fighters and crucially by the public any co-response would not be
advantageous to fire and rescue services, and in fact could potentially damage any work that the
FRS could do to work on the prevention agenda that was explored in the previous chapter.
There are, of course times and places where co-responding with the police can work and this
report in no way recommends that these should not be explored.

However, the focus should be on supporting and alleviating some of the capacity issues
faced by ambulance trusts and, also, crucially fulfilling the FRS pledge to help protect
their communities.

CHAPTER THREE

METHODOLOGY

Research Design

Writing this project will involve conducting interviews with the National Disaster Management
Agencies, fire services, NAWEC, Kanifing municipal council’s cleansing services department.
Research will also be conducted on the internet to acquire more information pertaining to this
issuer.

Data Collection& Analysis

Data was collected by conducting interviews through face to face with authorities and the
general population, that’s close ended interview questionnaire, Review of important document.
However, the researcher also employed personal observation and experiences over the years. It
also involved using some books.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What are the most causes of fire outbreak in the municipal area?
 2. Is fire prevention reducing the number of fires in your area?
3. Is cleansing excesses good for the environment compared to the previous years?
4. In connection to fire safety sensitization in the media, is domestic fires reducing in your
area?
5. Does the way your department conducting this effectively improves the environment

CHAPTER: FOUR

DATA ANNALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION

SAMPLING: only 20 people respondents were selected for the questionnaire to be

interview in close ended and face to face.

Fig. 3.2a: Reasons for the outbreak of fire

Questionnaires No. of YES No. of No % YES %NO

Are these fire 15 5 75 25
outbreak causes
by poor electrical
wiring or poor
storage of
flammable
materials?
Is fire prevention 15 5 75 25
reducing the
number of fires in
your area?

Is cleansing 12 8 60 40
excesses good for
the environment
for preventing
emergency?

Is it that, people 16 4 80 20
don’t know how to
prevent them self
away from fire
outbreak?
Does the way your 15 5 75 25
department
conducting this
effectively
improves the
environment?

A Pie chart of the percentages of the respondents is as flows:

percentage of respondents
9
8
7
6
5
4 8.2
3
2
3.2
1
1.4 1.2
0
1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

Sales

INTERPRETATION

The above table illustrates the percentage Responses relative to the reasons for
preventing fire and emergency cases in our society and improve our society. 15 out of
the 20 people indicates that preventing hazard and improving the environment
encourages healthy environment poor condition of environment causes or encourages
poor sanitary, representing 75 per cent of the responses. However, 5 of the
respondent’s, they don’t know that’s representing 25 percent in respondent (1) And 12
people of the respondents are saying yes states that emergency prevention is good for
the society. Lack of clean environment can also lead to poor leaving condition this
constitute 60 percent.And 8 of the respondents say they don’t know is representing40
per cent in respondent (2) And in the respondent (3) 15 people responded positively It
constitutes 75 present And 5 responded negatively that’s 25 percent.Then the last
questions respondent is 16people respondent that with connection to the weekly fire
safety sensitization reduces bush and domestic fires. This constitute to 80 percent of the
respondent say yes, and 4 percent of the respondents say they don’t know.

CHAPTER FIVE

CONCLUSION

Preventing fire and emergency cases in our society, is a very important element for our
community today to be successful. However the term is very hygienic and preferable if done
continually. Compounds heads, Managers in organization may influence its people through
the organization’s policy systems or may use specific interventions to practice this one’s or
more in a month to make this succeed as its encourages a healthier preferable environment.

Gambia fire and rescue service remains an undertaking both for the community and
stakeholder association, the idea was long awaited since a lot of people’s lives and
properties where lost.

The department will be based on committee that will mobilize resources, give advice,
lectures in local languages how in houses and offices.

There are three ways in which a fire can be spreads CONVECTION, CONDUCTION AND
RADAITION. Although convection is probably the greatest course of fire spread, especially in
the multy storied buildings, never the less, most fire out break are combinations of all three
methods.

CONVECTION: Since heat and smoke gasses tend to rise, they will fine opening in
horizontal surface, follow a natural path. Vertical above the seat of the fire, reach the
ceiling and mushrooming through opening doors, transom light, ventilation ducts, holes of
pipes work cable ducts, where it reaches a staircase, lift shafts etc. The influence of windows
on the spread of fire is most important for health rapidly breaks exposed class and allow
flame to escape and curl in to the windows of the floor, above sometimes missing a floor.

Conduction: most metals are good conductors of electricity. End of joins and piping,
which are exposing to flame, may transmit this heart, causing the ignition of flammable
materials far away from the original fire. Steel or iron doors that are not fire resistant
may buckle with the heat.

RADIATION: is a process by which heat is transferred from a source to a receiver. For

example the heat to the earth from the sun is entirely in the form of magnetic waves.
Sunrays through a magnifying glass will ignite materials. Radiation heat can pump
across a street and involve other properties. It can pass through windows without
breaking the glass; it will melt leaded glass windows, allowing them to fall away.
The great majority of fires are spread by a combination of these three process
mentioned above; the following dealt with the effects and prevention of fires spread as a
result of the three methods.

In other buildings, wooden beam or roof timber may run right through or separating
walls from one side to another. The end of the timbers of two adjacent house may be
separated by only a few inches of brick work in which the mortar is cracked, allowing
the fire to pass. Concealed space and partition may be found in other buildings
extending through more than one floor, usually in adapted or converted properties.
Hollow portion will sometimes be found packed with straw, sawdust savings or form
plastic. Fuel continue to spread through this type of construction and, though more
intense, it is usually as rapid as through hollow portion.

RECOMMENDATION

Government should assist to equipped GFRS with cutting edges equipment; hence
technology is advancing every day, more complicated building are been manufacture.
E.g. there are certain walls tall or paint they are highly flammable.

Construction or implantation of fire hydrants in every one hundred meters.

Sensitization which is an involvement of the community preparatory from village to

village. It could also be recommended that we have trained fire fighting team that
teaches the community and households for proper placement of household materials
such as gases, candles etc.

The community should be invited to the station from time from time to time to share
with them about the role of the brigade and negative aspect of firefighting such as the
capacity of fire tenders and how many minutes would it takes.

Fire service and physical planning should work hand to hand to inspect building during
construction to provide way of evacuation during emergency and burglar proof.

Hand fire appliances should be recommended in every office and household in the KMC.

The construction of standard high ways and roads some are no go areas.

The construction of a modern recruit firefighting academic that could complete at a

global level.

The construction of an effective fire services command and control system.

REFRENCE PAGE

kanifing municipal council {k.m.c}

national disaster management agency

The Gambia fire rescue services fire safety Unit