Reach out to fire brigade in case of gas leaks, commissioner urges

By Halshane Burke   

 

The Jamaica Fire Brigade is encouraging business operators who use a large volume of gas to reach out to the brigade as well as the supplier in the event of a leak.

 

This follows Wednesday's explosion at the Burger King outlet in New Kingston which resulted in damage to the establishment and left several people in need of medical attention.

 

Up to Wednesday evening two people remained hospitalised.

 

The employees reported a strong gas odour and notified the supplier which carried out a check and gave the all clear before the explosion which resulted in a blow out of the windows of the establishment.

 

Commissioner of the Jamaica Fire Brigade Stewart Beckford says it's crucial that immediate steps are taken to remedy suspected gas leaks before the situation escalates and turns deadly. 

 

"One of the ways to prevent this from from happening is to ensure that the building is properly ventilated. And so even your house, if you come home and you smell gas, you know, don't turn on any devices, not even a light switch. Open your window, your doors, and leave the building and allow maybe 10 to 15 minutes to pass before you re-enter. That will allow fresh air to come in and help to dissipate the gas that may have leaked out," he advised. 

 

Commissioner Beckford recommended that once someone detects the strong presence of gas, they should alert their supplier to determine whether there is a leak as well as call the brigade which can give the "necessary guidance as to how to treat with it". 

 

He was speaking Wednesday on Radio Jamaica's Beyond the Headlines.