Safety begins with you – Educate yourself during ‘Fire Prevention Week’
― Guyana Fire Service hosts fair and exhibition
― event targets Reg. 4 students and teachers
DPI, Guyana, Friday, October 11, 2019
The Guyana Fire Service (GFS) today held its Fire Safety Fair and Exhibition as part of its observance of Fire Prevention Week 2019. The event held at D’Urban Park targetted students and teachers from schools in Region 4.
Divisional Officer with responsibility for operations for the GFS, Gregory Wickham, said this year’s activity differs from previous year. “We [Guyana Fire Service] would have hosted a fair, to allow members of the public and school children to visit and participate in novelty event; because through participation they will learn a lot about firefighting and fire prevention.”
Firefighters took part in several demonstrations during the activity today. One of the more entertaining novelty demos was the Late-for-fire race; this saw three officers competing to see who would be the first to be geared before and after a fire. The exercise also saw members of the public participating.
Another demonstration involved the correct procedure to out a fire. In this exhibit, a fire was lit, and the GFS was called to the rescue. Persons in attendance were guided on the steps to take to extinguish it.
The public was also informed of the importance of ‘Fire Prevention Week’. Sheldon Saun, a Fire Prevention Officer, highlighted that it helps to educate the children and the public about the ‘do’s and don’ts’ as it relates to fire safety.
A safety officer from the Guyana Technical Institute (GTI), McAllister said “hosting Fire Prevention Week helps to inform students and the public about fire safety. For example, why everyone needs to know how to use PASS in tackling fires… I also think that it should last longer than a week and be held in other regions as well.”
On display were booths from the Guyana Fire Service, Ministry of Social Protection- Occupational Safety and Health Department, Guyana Technical Institute (GTI), Guyana Electrical Agency (GEA), MACORP CAT, Hardware Depot, Industrial Safety Supplies, among others. These provided visitors with safety guidelines, the types of gear and equipment to be used and how to use them.
This year’s Fire Prevention Week was held under the theme “save lives, protect property, strive towards a greener environment”. Throughout the week, outreaches, lectures and inspection of government buildings and private businesses were conducted.
The week’s activities will culminate with the commissioning of a fireboat on Saturday, October 12.
Note: PASS refers to the correct way to use a fire extinguisher. It means Pull the pin in the handle; Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire; Squeeze the lever slowly, and Sweep from side to side.