The Fire Brigade Department provides a multitude of emergency and non-emergency services to the community. Services include: fire prevention and suppression, emergency medical assistance, rescue, public assistance, fire menace standby, safety inspections, and review of building plans for compliance with applicable codes and ordinances. The Bathinda Fire Department is an organization that exists for the purpose of protecting the lives, homes and property of the citizens and visitors from the ravages of fire and other disasters. This department strives to maintain the highest level of preparedness thus enabling the department to provide efficient, cost effective emergency services to the citizens of Bathinda.

We are committed to personal and professional development. We are committed to a comprehensive safety program that recognizes the inherent hazards of our profession and to policies that encourage the mental and physical health of our work force. For emergency and fire services Fire Brigade Section is also working in this Corporation under the control of Asstt. Divisional Fire Officer. In case of fire call in the city and in adjoining areas the fire safety services are provided. To control the fire in factories, Marriage Palaces, Cinemas frequent inspections are done by the Fire Brigade Branch. During inspection the Fire Safety Devices are checked. No Objection Certificate are issued to the Petrol Pumps, Marriage Palaces, Hotels and multi stories complexes etc after the inspection by this branch. In case of fire call Fire Brigade, one can call at the Toll free Numbers.

Vehicles:

• • 4 x Large Fire Tender
• • 3 x Mini Fire Tender
• • 1 x Ambulance
• • 1 x Royal Enfield Motorcycle
• • 1 x Fire Jeep
• • 1 x Incident Support Unit
• • 1 x Trailer Pump

Open Fires

• • Always keep a sparkguard in front of an open fire.
• • Use a secure fire guard when children are in the room.
• • Avoid banking fires too high.
• • If you have a chimney fire call the fire brigade.

Portable Heaters

• • Keep portable heaters away from curtains and furniture.
• • Keep portable heaters away from draughts.
• • Never move a gas or oil heater when it is in use.
• • Never refill a hot oil heater.
• • Never use a portable heater for drying clothes.

Respect electricity

• • Check flexes for signs of wear regularly and replace if necessary.
• • Don’t run flexes under carpets or rugs where they can be damaged
• • Replace blown fuses with one of the correct rating.
• • Don’t overload sockets – one socket, one plug is a safe rule.
• • Get a qualified electrician to carry out repairs.
• • Follow the manufacturers instructions for electric blankets.
• • Use socket covers if there are children in the house.

Gas Appliances

• • Always keep gas cylinders upright and switch off at the regulator when not in use.
• • Have adequate ventilation in all rooms where gas heaters are used.
• • Check flexible hoses regularly for signs of wear and have them replaced.
• • Store gas cylinders in the open air.
• • If you suspect a leak, do not switch on lighting or any electrical appliance, ventilate the area, switch off the gas at source, contact your gas supplier.

Smoking

• • Use proper ashtrays on a firm base.
• • Last thing at night check that a smouldering cigarette has not fallen into seating or onto carpets.
• • Never, never, never smoke in bed.
• • Never leave children alone in the house.
• • Use secure fire guards in front of open fires.
• • Never allow children to throw anything on an open fire.
• • Keep children clear of the cooker when you are using it.
• • Switch off and unplug appliances when not in use.
• • Use child proof socket covers.
• • Keep matches out of reach of children.

MONOXIDE AWARENESS

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon Monoxide is a colourless, odourless poisonous gas. The incomplete combustion of organic fossil fuels such as oil, gas or coal is a common source of CO and is responsible for many cases of non-fatal unintentional CO poisoning. Each year in Ireland 1 or 2 people die from unintentional CO poisoning in the home in incidents related to the burning of fossil fuels.

Dangerous amounts of Carbon Monoxide accumulate in the home as a result of any or a combination of the following:

• • Poorly installed, faulty or damaged heating appliances.
• • Heating appliance not maintained or serviced.
• • Rooms not properly ventilated.
• • Blocked chimneys or flues.
• • Indoor use of a barbecue grill or outdoor heater.
• • Running engines such as vehicles or lawnmowers in garage or shed.

Symptoms of Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be similar to those caused by other illnesses such as a cold or flu. They include

• • Unexplained headaches, chest pains or muscular weakness
• • Sickness, diarrhoea or stomach pains
• • Sudden dizziness when standing up
• • General lethargy

If anyone in your house has any of the symptoms outlined above get fresh air immediately, then go to your doctor as soon as possible and ask him/her to check for Carbon Monoxide poisoning.

If you find a person ill or unconscious near any fuel burning appliance, be careful in case you also become a casualty. Get fresh air immediately by opening windows and doors and seek urgent medical attention.

Stop using the appliance immediately and do not use it again until it has been checked by a registered installer or a qualified service agent.

Solid Fuel Appliances

Watch out for any of the warning signs that your appliance is not functioning properly:

• • Staining, sooting or discolouration around the appliance/vent/chimney
• • Appliances that burn slowly, badly (orange or 'floppy' flames) or go out
• • A yellow or orange flame where normally blue
• • Condensation or dampness on walls and windows in the room once the appliance is lit
• • A strange smell when the appliance is on
• • Loose or disconnected vent/chimney connections or guards

If you detect any of these conditions, have a professional service technician fully examine the unit for safety.

Regular inspection and maintenance of appliances, vents, flues and chimneys are the best ways to protect you and your family from the hidden danger of carbon monoxide. For added protection install an audible carbon monoxide alarm.