Disaster struck in the town of Redbrooke late last night when the recently built Palmer Court apartment block caught fire and was completely destroyed.
It was just after 2.00 am when many of the residents in the building were woken by the smell of smoke. The Fire Brigade was alerted and arrived promptly to evacuate the building and extinguish the fire.
The fire spread rapidly through the building and the rescue operation had to be carried out quickly in order to save the forty-three residents inside. Twenty-nine people were taken to Redbrooke General Hospital, suffering from smoke inhalation and minor burns, but it is expected that they will be discharged later today. The remaining fourteen people were evacuated safely with no injuries. The Fire Brigade battled with the fire until 7 o’clock this morning but were unable to save the building. The residents will be provided with temporary accommodation.
An investigation is being carried out to determine the cause of the fire. At present it is suspected that it was caused by malfunction in the electrical wiring system, which would explain why so many flats were affected at the same time.
b) Read the text again and answer the following questions:
1. What was the cause of fire?
2. How many people were injured or died?
3. What measures were taken to save people?
Language development
Fill in the correct words from the list below. Use the words only once.
Wiring, smoke, minor, spread, rescue, extinguish
1. ………….. inhalation
2. …………..operation
3. ………….. system
4. ………….. burns
5. ………….. rapidly
6. ………….. fire
Match the list of things which can cause accidents with the accidents in the list.
| 1. a plastic bag 2. excessive consumption of alcohol 3. a gas leak 4. faulty wiring 5. boiling water | a. a car crash b. a scald c. an electric shock d. suffocation e. an explosion |
Match the incidents with the survival techniques mentioned. Then discuss in pairs as in the example.
SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES: try not to move, cover nose and mouth with a damp cloth, stay close to the floor, go to the highest level of the building, use a whistle to signal your position, turn off electricity to prevent electrocution.
| fire | |
| trapped in debris | |
| flood |
e.g. A: What can you do if you get trapped in a fire?
B: I can cover my nose and mouth with a damp cloth.
A) Read the instructions below and explain the meanings of the words in bold.
Office fire safety tips
If a fire or other emergency happened at your workplace, would you know what to do? Planning ahead and staying calm will help you to be safe during any emergency.
Be prepared
Have a building evacuation plan, know the plan, and practice the plan (Fire Drills).
Post building evacuation plans throughout your workplace.
Learn the location of the two nearest exits from your work area.
Count the doors, desks, work stations, etc. between your workplace and the nearest exit. Due to smoke or a power failure, an escape in the dark may be necessary.
Know the location of the nearest fire alarm; know how to use it and be familiar with its signal.
Never block exits with furniture, equipment, materials or trash.
Never block stairway doors open and keep all stairways and landings clear. Nothing can be placed or stored in stairways.
Don’t panic
Call 01 to report emergencies – don’t assume anyone else called for help. When talking to emergency personnel, remain calm and give the dispatcher as much information as you know.
Never use the elevator during fire. You may become trapped if the power goes out.
Feel a door handle with the back of your hand for heat, then, feel the door starting at the bottom and moving to the top. If the door is hot, don’t open it as smoke and flames may enter the room. If the door is cool, open it slowly and be prepared to quickly close it if smoke or heat rushes in.
Leave quickly, closing doors as you go to contain fire and smoke.
If you encounter smoke or fire during your escape, use another exit. If caught in smoke, get as low as possible to the floor and move towards the exit. Heat and smoke rise so cleaner air will be near the floor.
Once outside, move away from the building and proceed to your designated meeting location. If coworkers are still inside, notify emergency personnel. Don’t attempt to re-enter the building until EHS, Police or Fire officials say it is safe to re-enter.
