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Protective Services Open Day: Bringing Services and Communities Together

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  The annual Protective Services Open Day held on Saturday once again proved to be a meaningful and engaging experience for people across Barbados, offering the public a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes and interact directly with the men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping our communities safe. From the early afternoon, families, and visitors of all ages gathered at the Emergency Services Complex in The Pine, St. Michael to explore the wide range of protective equipment on display. Police officers, firefighters, medics, prison officers, and military personnel took time to explain their roles, demonstrate equipment, and share real-life experiences. These conversations helped to break down barriers, turning uniforms into familiar faces and building trust through open, friendly interaction. One of the greatest strengths of the Open Day is its role in community engagement. By creating a relaxed and welcoming environment, the event encourages dialogue between the ...

KNOW THE TETRAHEDRON OF FIRE

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    KNOW THE TETRAHEDRON OF FIRE  Fire does not happen by accident. It needs four elements working together to start and continue burning. This concept is called the Tetrahedron of Fire.   1. Fuel Fuel is anything that can burn. It may be solid (wood, paper, cloth), liquid (gasoline, alcohol, oils), or gas (LPG, natural gas). Without fuel, fire cannot exist.   2. Heat Heat is the energy needed to raise fuel to its ignition temperature. It can come from open flames, hot surfaces, sparks, friction, or electrical energy. Removing heat cools the fire and helps stop combustion.   3. Oxygen Oxygen usually comes from the air. Normal air contains about 21% oxygen, and most fires need around 16% oxygen to keep burning. Smothering a fire or limiting oxygen supply can extinguish it.   4. Chemical Chain Reaction This is the process that keeps fire burning once it starts. The flame creates continuous chemical reactions that produce heat and flammable gases. Som...

GIS: The Cornerstone of Modern Public Safety Management in Small Island Developing States

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Geographic Information Systems (GIS) is the cornerstone of all modern public safety organisations. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are particularly vulnerable to challenges posed by physical and economic isolation and vulnerability to man-made and natural disasters. Public safety agencies lead the response to these disasters that often devastate communication and transportation infrastructure, and limit the ability of external agencies to provide support.  Rapid physical development, coupled with budgetary constraints, affects the ability of public safety agencies to effectively meet the needs of their communities. There has, however, been growing recognition of the need for the strategic adoption of innovative technologies to advance public safety management capabilities. Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies are uniquely designed to support and empower greater situational awareness, location intelligence, and interagency collaboration.  GIS can be used to an...

SAFETY PREVENTION VS SAFETY PROTECTION: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE

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  SAFETY PREVENTION VS SAFETY PROTECTION: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE 🌟 "Preventing Hazards Before They Occur: The Power of Safety Prevention and Protection" đź’ˇ As safety professionals, we often use the terms "safety prevention" and "safety protection" interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and applications. Understanding the difference between these two concepts is crucial for effective safety management. 🌎 SAFETY PREVENTION: 🌟 1. Proactive Approach: Focuses on preventing hazards and risks before they occur. 🔍 2. Risk Assessment: Identifies potential hazards and implements controls to mitigate risks. 📊 3. Design and Planning: Incorporates safety considerations into design, planning, and operations. 🏗️ 4. Training and Awareness: Educates employees on safe practices and procedures. 📚 SAFETY PROTECTION: 🛡️ 1. Reactive Approach: Focuses on protecting people and assets from harm when a hazard occurs. 🚨 2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)...

Christmas Tree Fire Safety

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  Too many times each year, the yuletide festivities are interrupted by fire-related incidents. Fires involving real Christmas trees are a common problem, we urge you to follow these simple instructions, and share them with your family and friends. ★ Fresh trees are less likely to catch fire if the required care and attention is given to maintaining them. Dry trees are highly combustible. ★ Choose a healthy tree with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. ★ Always place your tree away from heat sources like candles, heat vents, or lights, and keep the tree watered daily to avoid dry out. ★ Never use lit candles (open flames) or any flammable ornaments to decorate your tree. ★ Make sure that your tree does not obstruct corridors, doorways, or block any exit paths. ★ Always turn your Christmas tree lights off before heading to bed and also when you are leaving home. ★ Make sure all your indoor and outdoor Christmas lights have been tested by Underwriters Laboratorie...

BARFO Installation Ceremony

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The Barbados Association of Retired Fire Officers (BARFO) held its installation ceremony for Officers and Executive Committee members on Saturday at the Hildegarde Weekes Activity Centre in Eden Lodge, St. Michael. The officers are President Keith Ward, Vice President Neal Smithwick, Secretary Michael Lowe, Treasurer Velmo Cadogan, Assistant Secretary Treasurer Charles Holligan, Public Relations Officer Wilfred Marshall, Chairman Fundraising Committee, Arlington Kellman and Chairperson Health & Welfare Committee Ena Gittens. The feature address was delivered by acting Chief Fire Officer Errol Maynard, with remarks from President of the Barbados Fire Service Sports and Social Club Clarence Hinds. (Image: BFF/TG)

Bajan Firefighters - February 2015

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Check out the "Bajan Firefighters - February 2015" monthly news and information digest via Flipboard. See:  Flipboard Magazine