BOSAI: Be Prepared - Winter Fire Precautions

Are you ready if disaster strikes?

Find out what you need to do by watching this program.

BOSAI: Be Prepared.

The topic this time is "Winter Fire Precautions."

This is a familiar Japanese winter scene.

It's a centuries-old custom to remind people in the local community to beware of fire.

"Beware of fire!"

In Japan, fires often break out in winter.

Why is that?

Hello, my name is Janni Olsson.

Today we're going to take a closer look at what to do in case a fire occurs, and also how to avoid them in the first place.

Janni visits a facility where a variety of disaster prevention activities can be experienced.

Hello.

Former firefighter Harashige Yoshiro, the Learning Center chief, will tell us all about winter fires.

Why are there so many fires in Japan in winter?

Well, in winter, the air is very dry.

That means things get dried out and become highly flammable.

As the use of heating devices increases, it induces more fires to occur.

Now, Janni, a quiz question for you!

And the question is: Which of these heating devices is the most common cause of fires?

The stove looks very hot and it's oil, so maybe B?

So, what's the correct answer?

In fact, it's C: "electric heaters."

Oh! Why is that?

Heating elements are the main heat source for electric heaters.

Even though there's no open flame, they're prone to be a cause of fires...

Please put your hand in front.

It's just been put on, but it's already hot!

In fact, this front grill gets heated from 300 to 900 degrees Celsius.

There have been cases in which flammable objects about 10 centimeters away have burst into flame!

You may think that it's not so hot, but this kind of carelessness can cause a fire.

In winter, laundry is often hung indoors.

Never place an electric heater too close to the laundry in order to dry it quickly.

Now, another quiz question...

This is an average Japanese apartment floor plan.

Where should an electric heater NOT be placed?

I'd avoid this bedroom because I might be asleep and not notice if a fire broke out.

That's correct!

Oh, not near the curtains, either.

That's also correct!

Curtains and bedding are generally made of highly flammable materials.

Even if they're not in direct contact with an electric heater, a fire can start.

So what should you do if a fire breaks out in your home?

The first and most important thing to do is to inform the people around you that there's a fire.

The Japanese term "KAJI-DA!" means "FIRE!"

Be sure to remember it!

After raising the alarm, whether to extinguish the fire promptly, or, call for emergency services first depends on the situation.

If you are not alone, the tasks should be divided.

All homes should be equipped with fire extinguishers which are very effective for putting out fires.

They can be purchased at home centers or retail stores.

Now, Janni, you will experience putting out a fire.

To use a fire extinguisher, first pull out the pin.

Then hold up and aim the hose.

Finally, press down the lever.

These three actions are all that's required.

Now, let's begin the firefighting experience using a simulator.

Shout "KAJI-DA!" and pull out the pin...

Like this...

Oh, is it really OK to do this?

So, has she done it well?

I aimed down at the source of the fire.

Yes. It may be tempting to aim at the spreading flames, but you were aiming at the burning object.

That's the correct way to do it.

But one thing I'd like you to do better is to lower your posture.

During firefighting there's the danger of the flames blowing back toward you.

So you should keep your posture low to protect yourself from the flames and heat.

But what should you do if the fire won't go out easily?

When the flames reach around your height, you should escape as fast as possible.

A fire extinguisher's no use if the ceiling catches fire.

In Japan, the number to call for fire engines is 119.

And recently, a reliable system has been established to help foreigners.

We understand that some people may not be comfortable speaking Japanese.

But we have systems in place for other languages, so please don't hesitate to call 119.

When a foreigner calls 119 in their native language, the fire department connected to the 119 system forwards the audio to an interpretation center,

and a three-way call is launched if that language can be handled.

Five languages, including Chinese and English, are widely supported nationwide, and other languages may also be supported depending on the region and the time of day.

In a fire, it's not only the flames but also smoke that can be dangerous.

Smoke inhalation during evacuation often results in death.

This Learning Center also offers an evacuation experience using harmless smoke.

So what are the key points when escaping?

Cover your nose and mouth with a handkerchief or towel to avoid smoke inhalation.

Smoke tends to rise, so keep your posture low while moving.

And visibility is very poor, so make sure to go along the wall.

Now, let's start the evacuation experience.

Oh... OK...

Very smoky!

Here's an elevator, but maybe it's not working?

This door won't open...

Uh-oh! In her confusion, she's forgotten to keep her posture low...

So how was Janni rated for her evacuation drill?

How did the smoke smell?

Kind of sweet...

It didn't feel like a fire.

Which means you inhaled smoke!

Oh, no! (Laughter) You said 'sweet,' so you inhaled it.

Better not to do that!

You had to open some doors during the drill. Do you remember if you closed them again?

Hmm, I don't remember at all.

If you leave a door open, that may help the fire to spread to the area you're trying to escape to.

If possible, close doors behind you as you escape.

Janni tried to use the elevator.

That, too, is incorrect.

There's the danger of an elevator stopping midway, so you should always use the stairs.

Were there any guide signs along the way?

Well, I wasn't looking at all!

In a large, unfamiliar building, I suppose you can't tell where to escape...

Ah! Emergency exit signs! Yes.

I wasn't looking for them at all!

Emergency exit signs are the key to survival.

Some are in low positions, so you should try to find them.

In Japan, we have "disaster drills" where people in the community regularly gather at a park to practice firefighting and other emergency drills.

We hope you will join whenever you get the chance.