Watch Out For Hazards – Fire Brigade

KINGSTON, July 6 (JIS):

The Jamaica Fire Brigade (JFB) is urging Jamaicans to exercise caution in their movements in the wake of Hurricane Beryl and watch out for hazards.

Speaking with JIS News, Deputy Commissioner of Fire Rescue Operations, Kevin Haughton, noted that downed electrical wires pose a danger.

“In terms of building, persons need to ensure that they secure the necessary approvals before they begin construction,” he said, noting that they should be mindful of flooding and other dangers when choosing a location to build.

The Deputy Commissioner is also urging caution when cooking, pointing out that open flames should not be left unattended.

“Persons need to be careful when using candles, how they store chemicals that can react to each other; that is very important,” he added.

Meanwhile, Mr. Haughton said that most of the Brigade’s activities during and in the aftermath of the hurricane were in Kingston and St. Andrew, St. Catherine, St. Ann and St. James.

“Those are the largest of the 13 divisions within the JFB. We pre-positioned persons and equipment in areas that are most vulnerable so that we can respond during and after the passage of the hurricane,” he informed.

He said that the Brigade’s emergency medical service was also utilised, primarily on the western side of the country.

“We have ambulances in Portmore, Linstead, Falmouth, Ironshore, Negril and Savanna-La-Mar. We were called and had to respond to medical emergencies during the period. We were called in for maternal cases as well, so we had the occasion to do deliveries during the hurricane,” Mr. Haughton told JIS News.

Currently, the Brigade continues to lend recovery support to various government entities in the clearing of debris across the island.