Understanding Fire Hazards and Safety

• Fire hazards are conditions that promote fire development or growth.
• Fire arises from a chemical reaction combining oxygen and combustible fuel in the presence of heat.
• Common fire hazard sources include faulty electrical wiring, flammable substances, hot surfaces, and open flames.

Fire Triangle

• Fuel, heat, and oxygen are the three components necessary for fire.
• Heat provides the energy to ignite fuel.
• Fuel is any burnable material (e.g., wood, paper, gas, oil).
• Oxygen sustains combustion.
• Removing any of these elements achieves fire suppression.

Types of Fires & Fire Extinguishers

• Class A fires involve ordinary combustibles like wood, paper, and fabric, and can be extinguished using water or foam.
• Class B fires involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, and grease, and can be extinguished using CO₂ dry chemical, or foam.
• Class C fires involve electrical equipment, and CO₂ or dry chemical extinguishers are suitable.
• Class D fires involve combustible metals like magnesium and titanium, requiring dry powder extinguishers.
• Class K fires are kitchen fires involving cooking oils and fats, for which wet chemical extinguishers should be used.
• Water should not be used on fires involving grease, oil, or electrical sources, as it can worsen the situation.

Sources of Fire Hazards

• Electrical faults like short circuits and overloaded outlets.
• Flammable gases or liquids such as leaking LPG and fuel spills.
• Hot surfaces from engines, chimneys, and furnaces.
• Lightning strikes can cause fires.
• Improper handling of fire-related equipment can lead to fires.

Fire Detection Devices

• Smoke detectors detect smoke in the air and require airflow to function.
• Heat detectors activate when there is a sudden rise in temperature.
• Flame detectors react to the movement of flames.

Fire Emergency Symbols

• A fire extinguisher symbol indicates the location of fire extinguishers.
• A fire exit symbol marks safe exit points.
• A fire alarm symbol indicates alarm system activation points.
• A first aid symbol shows the location of medical emergency kits.

Fire Safety: DOs and DON’Ts

• Call the fire department immediately in case of a fire.
• Evacuate the area safely.
• Turn off the gas valve if possible.
• Ensure everyone is accounted for at a safe meeting point.
• Inform firefighters of any missing persons.
• Do not attempt to fight a fire that is too large.
• Do not use an incorrect fire extinguisher.
• Do not go back into a burning building.

Fire Evacuation Plan & Exit Plan

• Identify fire emergency symbols in the area.
• Create a floor plan that marks exit routes, fire extinguisher locations, and first-aid stations.
• Designate a safe meeting point outside the building.
• Regularly practice fire drills to prepare for emergencies.

Hydrometeorological Hazards

• Hydrometeorological hazards are natural events related to weather, water, and climate.
• Typhoons, thunderstorms, floods, storm surges, El Niño, and La Niña are hydrometeorological hazards
• Typhoons are intense tropical storms that cause strong winds, heavy rain, and flooding
• Thunderstorms are short, intense storms with lightning, heavy rain, and strong winds.
• Floods occur when water overflows onto land, causing property damage and health risks.
• Flash floods involve rapid flooding due to heavy rain causing dangerous, sudden water rise.
• Storm surges are coastal floods caused by typhoon winds and lead to severe flooding and destruction near coastlines.
• El Niño is characterized by prolonged dry weather due to ocean warming, resulting in drought and agricultural losses.
• La Niña involves cooler ocean temperatures causing more storms, excessive rainfall, and landslides.

Weather Basics

• Weather includes temperature, precipitation (rain, snow), wind speed and direction, sunshine, humidity, and air pressure.

Return Period

• The return period estimates the likelihood of a major event (e.g., typhoon, flood) occurring.
• A 100-year flood has a 1% chance of occurring in any given year.
• Typhoon Ondoy (2009) and Yolanda (2013) had severe impacts; scientists estimate their return periods based on climate data.

Weather Instruments & Their Functions

• A thermometer measures air temperature.
• A barometer measures air pressure.
• A sling psychrometer measures humidity using evaporation cooling.
• A rain gauge measures rainfall amount.
• A wind vane indicates wind direction.
• An anemometer measures wind speed.
• A wind sock indicates wind direction and strength.
• A hygrometer measures water vapor content (humidity).
• A weather balloon measures upper atmospheric conditions.
• A Doppler radar detects storm movement.
• Weather satellites track large-scale weather patterns.

Importance of Hazard Maps

• Hazard maps indicate areas prone to disasters, such as floods, typhoons, and landslides.
• Hazard maps can help communities prepare by identifying high-risk areas, guide evacuation planning.
• Government agencies can issue warnings for potential hazards with the aid of hazard maps.

Disaster Preparedness & Safety Tips

• Before a storm/flood, stay updated with PAGASA weather forecasts, prepare an emergency kit (food, water, flashlight, first aid) and secure important documents in waterproof containers.
• During a storm/flood, stay indoors and avoid flooded areas, and move to higher ground if evacuation is required.
• After a storm/flood, avoid wading in floodwaters (risk of disease and electrical hazards) and check for damages before returning home.