Experts, warning against the risk of fire in containers where earthquake-affected families reside, state that a fire extinguisher should be kept next to the container's entrance door and a barrel of water outside to extinguish a potential fire. OHS Expert Dr. Rüştü Uçan, stating that children should not be left alone in containers, warns, 'Cooking and heating appliances should be used as isolated from combustibles as much as possible. Smoking should not be allowed inside or near the container.'
Dr. Rüştü Uçan, Head of Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Occupational Health and Safety, and Lecturer Abdurrahman İnce drew attention to the fires that broke out in disaster containers where earthquake-affected families reside; they made evaluations regarding fire safety in disaster containers.
OHS Expert Dr. Rüştü Uçan pointed out the risk of fire due to the winter season and explained what should be done regarding fire safety in disaster containers as follows:
“Container walls and roofs should be made of A1 class non-combustible material. The best option is a galvanized sheet panel filled with rock wool insulation material. Doors should also be made of non-combustible material. Electrical installations should be protected, a Residual Current Device should be present, extension cords should not be used, and electrical appliances should be used carefully and safely.”
There must be a fire extinguishing device!
Dr. Rüştü Uçan noted that to extinguish a fire at its onset, a 6 kg ABC-type portable fire extinguisher should be placed inside the container, next to the entrance door. He said, “Outside the container, a barrel of water should be kept. Cooking and heating appliances should be used as isolated from combustibles as much as possible. Smoking should not be allowed inside or near the container.”
Children should not be left alone
Dr. Rüştü Uçan also emphasized that children should not be left alone in containers, warning, “The escape route outside the container should always be kept clear, without any obstacles. Easily flammable or combustible materials should not be kept inside the containers as much as possible.”
What to do when a fire breaks out?
Lecturer Abdurrahman İnce also explained what should be done when a fire breaks out in containers:
- An alarm should be given,
- The fire should be extinguished with a fire extinguishing device,
- Electricity should be cut off,
- Evacuation should be carried out, prioritizing the disabled, pregnant women, the elderly, and children,
- Those trapped should be rescued.”