FIRE SAFETY
The fire safety precautions taken by the Village Office are normally very good. This year (2011) there has been a total failure by the Village Office to clear dangerously inflammable dry fields on the periphery of the Village, putting us all at risk.
SAFETY TIPS ON FIRE PREVENTION AND SAFETY
It is clear from our recent fire that the most important message is that of any suspected fire needs to be reported immediately:
• Emergency numbers: call 199 or 112 in the event of fire. PISSOURI POLICE 25 222611.
• Please note that under EU regulations it is not permitted to burn any material or vegetation out-of-doors (with the exception of vine prunings, in the vineyards, during December and January).
• An on-the-spot fine of €85 applies.
If you make an emergency call and do not speak Greek, speak English slowly and clearly, giving your telephone number, your name, your address or location and say what is burning.
GRASS OR BUSH FIRES
In the event of a bush fire call 199 or 112 and give clear information about the location of the fire and what is burning.
We are at real risk from bush fires in this area, and as the countryside dries to a tinder it is necessary to be very fire aware. Keep the perimeter of your property clear of dry grass and scrub, call the Village Office and ask them to clear uncut fields. Fire is a constant and frightening risk in the summer months, and even during other months if the undergrowth is very dry. Be to be particularly careful about any discarded glass or shiny metals near their properties. If you see a fire report it: don’t assume that someone else already has.
Lighting fires is forbidden. If you see anyone lighting fires dial 112, 1407 or the local Police Station.
There also a requirement in Cyprus that land owners should cut any dry grass on their property. If you experience any difficulty over this with your neighbours, the Village Office is very ready to help. The community authorities are responsible for clearing dry grasses from around the village perimeter before the summer period. This is important safety rule for the whole village.
In any case plan your fire defences: fire extinguishers (and how to use them), other items for dousing fires, hoses and how to use swimming pool water in an emergency.
A useful tip is to keep your key valuables in an easily accessible evacuation pack. After the deadly fires in Greece and Australia over the last year it would be sensible to be aware of how dangerous they can be.
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Further notes:
Garden Refuse
This should be taken to the dump (about ½ mile down the Alektora Road, on the right).
• Fire extinguishers. When you purchase a fire extinguisher, learn how to use it correctly so you can extinguish a fire effectively and safely.
Familiarise yourself with the fire exits in your workplace or in hotels etc.
Dry foam is dangerous to health in a closed space; get out as quickly as possible.
• Pan fires: switch off the gas, cover the pan using a damp towel or fire blanket. DON’T MOVE THE PAN (as in trying to carry it outside).
• LPG consists of 2 gases which don’t smell. They are explosive and will asphyxiate you. (A third gas is added to give a smell to aid detection of leaks.)
LPG is heavier than air so sinks to the ground; if you lose consciousness you fall to the ground, into the heavy gas. It is very dangerous because it will ignite if there is a spark.
If you smell gas:
1. Turn off the electricity at the mains and do not light matches, candles etc.
2. Open doors and windows.
3. Turn off the gas bottle.
4. Use dilute solution of washing up liquid to find leaks in hoses.
• TV fire. Category A fire. Switch off electricity first. Extinguish with water.
• Car fire. After extinguishing the fire, disconnect the battery.
• Fire in a building. Break the glass on the fire alarm and push the button.
1. If a small fire, try to extinguish.
2. If you don’t succeed, close all doors and leave.
3. Go to meeting point.
4. If trapped in your room, put wet towels under the door, keep them wet,
Fill the bath with water, open the window, shout for help. If not heard, attract attention by waving a flag of some kind. If you have to exit the room, cover your face with a wet cloth and crawl because there is more oxygen at floor level.
NB:
1. All males over the age of 18 may be commandeered to assist with fire-fighting. Refusal to do so can be subject to a fine of £250.
3. If there is a source of water on your property and you refuse to allow its use for fire-fighting, the penalty is a fine of £250.
Arson is punishable by a prison sentence of 3 years or a fine of £5,000, or both.
In the event of a fire in your area, please help the fire-fighters by supplying them with cold water to drink. It is a dangerous, hot and exhausting job.
With thanks to the Peyia Coalition who provided the paper on which the above advice is based.