Indian train fire kills atleast 23 people

Indian train fire kills atleast 23 people

How to stay alive and safe in holiday season

Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said his officers are under instructions to prevent terror attacks and other crime.

Police surveillance at shopping malls to prevent attacks is one of the measures taken to ensure security during the holidays.Inspector General of Police David Kimaiyo said all officers, who are on leave have been ordered to return to work until after the New Year.“No police officer is on leave during Christmas and the entire festive period. We have enhanced patrols and particular beats have been assigned to ensure all hotspots are covered. The vital installations will also be secured round the clock,” he said.

The police boss said his officers are under instructions to prevent terror attacks and other crime.Mr Kimaiyo added that the law enforcers would rely on the public in preventing crime and urged Kenyans to volunteer information on anything suspicious to police.He said: “I urge the public to share information and it will be acted on immediately. This will help in responding to incidents promptly and also in pre-empting them.”

Besides increasing the number of uniformed officers on patrol, the police boss said many others would be deployed undercover on the streets, churches and other public places like shopping malls.The police also want business owners to step up security at their premises. According to Mr Kimaiyo, this should include frisking customers before allowing them into their shops to make sure no arms or explosives are sneaked in.

PSVs

Public service vehicle operators were also instructed to inspect luggage and conduct body searches on passengers. Vehicles on upcountry routes are also be required to pass by police stations for inspection.

Mr Kimaiyo also instructed the traffic department to enforce all laws and regulations. “They are under firm instructions on enforcing the Traffic Code and other regulations gazetted by the Cabinet secretary,” he added.Transport Secretary Michael Kamau ordered that long distance PSVs should have two drivers per trip. “This will protect drivers from fatigue. No driver should work for more than eight hours without getting rest. This will prevent road accidents because many of them are caused by lack of concentration by drivers due to tiredness,” said Mr Kimaiyo.

While promising to act on information given to police he said: “Any information on suspicious characters will be treated with confidence. We are managing the entire security situation depending on information given.”

Motoring expert and DN2 columnist Baraza JM outlined key areas in road safety.“The driver should be well-qualified and in good health. Rest is vital, as is eyesight, mindset and sense of judgment. The most sensitive areas concerning motor vehicle safety are the tyres, suspension and brakes. Generally, the vehicle should be roadworthy,” he said.

Five things you need to do to stay alive on the road

Tens of people are killed and many more badly injured in the holiday season. Here are five things to keep in mind to get there in safety and comfort:

1. Slow down. The faster you are going, the less your ability to retain control of your vehicle in an emergency. Remember there are designated speed limits. Generally, do not go beyond 80Kph unless you are an ambulance driver. You could cause an accident, and if you survive, there are heavy penalties.

2. If you have been drinking, don’t drive. Cemeteries are full of drunks who thought that they were very good drivers, or that a few beers “improve” their driving skills or that “the car knows its way home”. Alcohol impairs judgment and completely degrades the ability to operate a motor vehicle. Besides, police will be out in force, armed with Alcoblow, hunting for drunk drivers.

3. Are you licensed driver? It takes training to drive safely and legally. If you are under-age or are not licensed, don’t get behind the wheel. It’s illegal and dangerous. Besides, if you are not licensed, then you are not insured. In case of an accident, compensation awards by the courts, often running in the millions, will destroy the finances of any family.

4. If it’s a junk, don’t step in. Those seatbelts, indicators, oil levels, lighting system and legal and insurance documents should be in order. The police will be looking for clientele in this area too. A vehicle which is not roadworthy, either because the tires are bald or the brakes funny, is a death trap.

5. Plan ahead. At Christmas, fares will definitely be up and roads could be jammed. The idea is to be early to catch a seat on the bus. If you are driving, being early means you avoid traffic.

But plan ahead to ensure there are alternative routes, designated drivers and the number of passengers or luggage size you are carrying. For once, leave nothing to chance.

Five things to do to stay safe during the holidays

Many Kenyans fall victim to burglary, muggings and robbery during the holidays. Religious holidays also hold a lot of significance to religious fanatics. It is therefore not unusual for terrorists, such as Al-Shabaab to try and attack during religious festivals and Christmas festivities when there are masses of people together. To reduce the risk, here are five things to consider:

1. Secure your home before you leave for the holidays. Make sure you have secure doors and windows and that they are locked before you leave. Generally, it is wise to ask someone to keep watch while you are away. Do not leave valuables, such as cash or jewellery at home. Invest in strong padlocks and locks and make sure that not everyone has access to the keys.

2. If you see anything suspicious, call 999 or 112 immediately. Your action could prevent a serious crime, such as a terrorist attack. If the officers who take your call are not cooperative, insist that they take your report seriously.

3. Owners of premises must ensure that every person who enters their areas of business are subjected to a thorough search by a guard who is professionally qualified for the job. The public must also insist that everyone be searched, without exception. All passengers and their luggage must be checked as well. Long distance vehicles must go through a police station for security vetting.

4. At all times, use your head. Be alert, take an interest in the people around you, take the trouble to know the danger areas and be careful to avoid such areas. For example, you will want to stay away deserted and unlit areas at night. You will also be careful at sensitive areas such as ATMs. Simple security measures such as keeping your window up, particularly when you have electronics in the car, could save you a lot of trouble.

5. If you are hosting people in your home, their safety is your responsibility and priority. Make sure you have First Aid Kit. Sharp objects such as knives, nails, swords or pangas should locked away where they can’t cause accidents. To avoid food poisons, make sure you know what combination of foods to avoid.  For example, taking lemon juice and shortly thereafter, milk tea, or bean stew and soda are likely to result in discomfort.

Adapted from: http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Security-beefed-up-at-shopping-malls/-/1056/2122488/-/jxyb6c/-/index.html

Several injured as cargo train derails in Kibera

 

A cargo train on Sunday morning derailed while passing through Kibera near Nyayo Highrise estate in Nairobi, crashing into makeshift homes where scores of people are feared trapped, rescuers and residents said.Transport Cabinet Secretary Michael Kamau, who was at the scene, told journalists that six injured had so far been taken to hospital.

"We have rescued six people, most of them were crying out from the structures that were crushed and they couldn't move, but we managed to dig out and rescue them," said Johnson Maina of the fire service department.Local people suggested casualties may be lower than initially feared as most of those whose houses were destroyed appear not to have been at home when the accident happened, having either left for church or gone back to their villages for the Christmas holidays.

"Because of the time of year and the time of day a lot of people were not at hone," a local chief who identified himself as Patrick told AFP."The initial report is that people are feared trapped, but so far we have not received reports of any actual missing persons," a Red Cross emergency officer at the scene told AFP.

The Red Cross had earlier said that "scores were feared trapped"."We are thankful for the swift effort in rescuing people, it is by luck that it did not happen at night when people are sleeping. We could have a huge disaster here," said Mercline Akelo who sells fish just next to the rail line."I was about to open my business, I had gone for stock and heard about it on my way back, I don't know what could have happened if the accident had occurred when I was selling my fish," she went on."The rescue efforts are underway, we cannot talk of the number of those injured at the moment," Nairobi Police chief Benson Kibue told AFP.

RESIDENTS HAD BEEN WARNED

One of Africa's largest slums, Kibera's tin-roofed shacks are home to an estimated quarter of a million people, according to an NGO that carried out a population study there.

Kamau said the government has long warned the residents of Kibera not to put up houses right next to the railway, which crosses the settlement."We have always warned people against encroaching on the line," he said. So they must move, we cannot continue having such disasters," he went on.

Adapted from: http://www.nation.co.ke/news/Kibera-Nyayo-Highrise-Cargo-Train/-/1056/2121834/-/9g9kd6z/-/index.html
 

Kericho inferno leaves Family homeless

Property worth millions of shillings has been lost in a mid night inferno in Chemosot trading center in Bureti constituency of Kericho county. It took residents collective effort to put out the fire, the area does not have a single fire fighting truck. While visiting the tens of families who lost their homes and property, Bureti member of parliament Leonard Sang challenged governors to invest in fire fighting equipment to avert future accidents.

London Bus Crash Leaves 32 Passengers Injured

A bus has crashed into a tree in south London, injuring 32 passengers, seven seriously, say police.

The accident happened around 10.50am on Kennington Road near the Imperial War Museum, while the number 59 bus was en route to King's Cross.
Emergency services said several passengers had to be freed from the wreckage.
A 19-year-old woman and a man were the last to be rescued and are among those most badly hurt.

Kennington Road has been closed and several bus routes redirected

Clive Robinson, from London Fire Brigade, said workers had to cut through the bodywork of the bus to free several passengers. Ladders were used to reach those on the top deck.
"The actual floor of the bus was starting to collapse and we had to shore that up," he said.
Earlier, police reported that two people were in a critical condition.

Among the injured were two police officers

Among the injured were two police officers who had been travelling on the bus. They were taken to hospital - one with a suspected broken arm.
Kevin Brown, of the London Ambulance Service, said the injuries ranged from bumps and bruises to serious limb and head injuries.
Aerial footage from the scene showed the front of the bus, operated by Arriva, collapsed around the trunk of a tree.

The TfL have promised a 'thorough' investigation into the crash

Transport for London said there will be a thorough investigation.
Mike Weston, TfL's director for buses, said: "Our first concern is, of course, for the driver, passengers and others involved in this incident.
"There will be a thorough investigation into this incident as a matter of urgency."

Police are still unsure what caused the crash

Police say they still do not know what caused the crash and will be viewing CCTV footage from inside the bus.
Chief Superintendent Glyn Jones said: "At this stage we don't know what's caused the collision - that is subject to an ongoing investigation."
Kennington Road was closed in both directions with routes 3, 59, 159 and 360 on diversion.

adapted from: http://news.sky.com/story/1185331/london-bus-crash-leaves-32-passengers-injured

Important Numbers in Kenya this festive season December 2013

Police Control Room
112 or 020 272 4154
Nairobi


Aga khan Hospital
020 3740000 / 020 3742531 / 020 3747676
Nairobi


Nairobi Area Police
020 2724201
Nairobi


Nairobi Area Traffic Police
020 2725501
Nairobi


Anti-Vehicle Theft Unit
020 767730
Nairobi


Buru Buru police station
020 792900
Nairobi


Central police station
020 222222
Nairobi


Embakasi police station
020 823200
Nairobi


Gigiri OCS
0726880066
Nairobi


Kabete police station
020 632222
Nairobi


Karen police station
020 882538
Nairobi


Kiambu police station
(0154) 22221/2
Kiambu


Kileleshwa police station
020 560533/4
Nairobi


Kilimani police station
020 2722222
Nairobi


Langata police station
020 501916/7
Nairobi


Handy Police Station
020 891225
Nairobi


Muthaiga police station
020 3762406
Nairobi


Muthangari police station
020 4442800
Nairobi


Ngong police station
020 564055
Nairobi, Ngong


Nairobi police station
020 714995
Nairobi


Pangani police station
020 3760142
Nairobi, Pangani


Parklands police station
020 3742238
Nairobi, Parklands


Police diplomatic hotline
020 334787
Nairobi


Diplomatic Police
0735 356506
Nairobi


Runda OCS
0722 121222
Nairobi, Runda


Spring valley police station
020 4181042
Nairobi


Tigoni police station
067-73222



JOGOO ROAD POLICE
Nairobi
020 557766 / 020 557959 / 0721-245 999


KAMUKUNJI POLICE STATION
020 226640 / 0721 244999
Nairobi


FIRE

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Nairobi Fire Brigade
020 222 2181 / 020 222 2183 / 020 222 2183
Nairobi
In case of a fire emergency in Nairobi call Nairobi Fire Brigade

EMBASSIES

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British
020 2844000
Nairobi


Australian
020 2726958
Nairobi


China
020 2722559
Nairobi


French
020 313529
Nairobi


Irish Consulate
020 2357242/3
Nairobi


Switzerland
020 2228735/6
Nairobi


USA
020 7123304
Nairobi


AMBULANCE

---

St John's ambulance emergency number
0721225285
Nairobi
Call an ambulance today in case of an emergency

AIRPORTS

---

Jomo Kenyatta International
020 822111
Nairobi


TRAINS

---

Nairobi Railway Station
020 2221211
Nairobi


MEDICAL & HOSPITALS

---

Karen Hospital
020 6613000
Nairobi


African Air Rescue
020 2717374/5/6
Nairobi


Gertrude's Gardens
020 3763474/5/6/7
Nairobi


Kenyatta Hospital
020 2726300
Nairobi


M.P. Shah Hospital
020 3742763/4/5/6
Nairobi


Nairobi hospital
020 2722160
Nairobi


St Johns Ambulance
020 226348 / 020 224066
Nairobi


Crisis Pregnancies
020 44459997 / 0710 553622
Nairobi


Safaricom

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Sambaza
Dial *140*amount*phone number#

Example *140*100*0725393082# This sends Ksh100 to 0725393082

Safaricom okoa Jahazi
*131#

Need credit and you're stuck in a zone you can't buy. Get an immediate top up for 50bob and repay later

SECURITY FIRMS

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Armor Group Kenya
020 3753421
Nairobi


Bob Morgan
020 387 0449 / 020 567211 / 020 567701
Nairobi


KK Emergency
0733 911
Nairobi


Control Room
0733 622 622
Nairobi


Falcon Security
020 449250/1/2/3
Nairobi


Factory Security
020 534720
Nairobi


Group 4
020 558679 / 020 531276/9
Nairobi


Inter Security
020 541018
Nairobi


Kali Security
020 333478
Nairobi


Securicor
020 532360
Nairobi


Security Guards
020 568115
Nairobi


Radar Security
020 569001
Nairobi


Riley Services
020 716880-2
Nairobi


Ultimate
020 566485 / 020 562081-3
Nairobi


Wells Fargo
020 500818
Nairobi


Water Department

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Nairobi water emergency numbers for the water tanker
0724253582, 0735417024
Nairobi
If you don't have water in Nairobi, call the Nairobi water tanker

Check your water bill today
5571
Anywhere in Kenya
Send your water account number to the number above

Electricity hotlines

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Electricity number for enquiring your bill
5551
Anywhere in Kenya
Need to know how much you owe kplc every month. Send an sms with your electricity account number. E.g 123456 to 5551

Electricity enquiries number
0722209983
Nairobi
Call the number above and request for assistance.

INTEL FIRE GROUP WISHES YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS

adapted from: http://www.find.co.ke/?option=com_content&view=article&id=62:useful-telephone-numbers-police&Itemid=1

Residential buildings to be fixed with CCTV cameras - Kidero

Deforestation of major water towers causing flooding, says environment officer

Deforestation of major water towers causing flooding, says environment officer

Top Ten Christmas Gifts For Firefighters List for 2014

10. A Brick at the NFFF Memorial

The park features a brick Walk of Honor® that connects the monument, the historic Fallen Firefighters Memorial Chapel, and memorial plazas. Each brick on the walkway bears a personal inscription. Proceeds from the sale of these bricks help to finance construction of the Memorial Park.

The Walk of Honor® continues to expand and now contains more than 9,000 inscribed bricks. Numbered sections help donors and recipients locate their special bricks. If you donated a brick prior to June 2009, you can find its location online. Contact Judi Whitlow at jwhitlow@firehero.org to inquire about the location of bricks placed after June 2009.

9. Glove Crafters Firefighting Gloves

Glove Crafters has many choices for firefighters to pick from. I currently wear the Fire Armor and I love them. I haven't had a single issue with them and have found them to be very comfortable and easy to take on and off even when they are wet. 

100% Made in the USA. A lot of companies claim to have gloves "made in the USA", but at Glove Crafters, our gloves are 100% handcrafted right here in Quitman, Arkansas.​

Another popular choice in firefighting gloves is the Dragon Fire Alpha X.

8. ESS Eye Protection

At ESS, our unyielding passion is to make the toughest eyewear in the world. Not because it’s our job, but because it’s our duty — a duty inspired by those we serve: military personnel, first responders, and other everyday heroes. Those who rely on ESS can’t settle for less, so we can’t either.  We provide go-to styling and superior fit, form, and function so our tough customers can stay safe and be brave: on or off duty, beyond risk and on to adventure.

7. Channellock 87 Rescue Tool

The Channellock 87 8.88-Inch Rescue Tool is packed with functionality. It-feets small enough to carry, but so light, it won-feet slow you down. Fits securely in bunker pocket. Shuts off gas safety valves. Pries windows and doors open. Hardened cutting edges shear through soft metal. Standard battery cables are no match for its cutting power. Narrow jaw profile fits in tight spots. Spanner wrench tightens and loosens up to 6-Inch hose couplings.

If I had a dollar for every time I have used my Channellock's I would be a rich man.

6. Phenix TL-2 Miller 1884 Leather Fire Helmet

Now available…The NFPA compliant TL-2 Miller 1884

The lightest, most comfortable and best looking leather helmet on the market! Paying tribute to the firefighters of yesterday while protecting the firefighters of today.

I must say that I really like the idea behind this helmet and  love the way they pulled it off. Phenix took the idea from the Miller 1884 style leather helmet and made it work with a state of the art leather that is NFPA/OSHA compliant.

5. National Firefighters Endowment Officer’s Club

The National Firefighters Endowment “Officer’s Club” is the gift that keeps on giving. The Officer’s club is a funding mechanism for the NFE and funds donations to fire departments in need. However, those who join get a lot more in return.

• Each year, the members get a numbered custom made challenge coin.
• Each month, the members are entered to win a prize. These prizes have been valued at up to $500 a piece depending on what the prize is for that month.
• On Facebook, they are invited to a closed group that offers a place for like minded individuals to communicate as well as offer input on decisions made by the NFE.
• The membership dues go directly to funding assistance, purchasing tools and equipment, and supporting fire departments.
• The NFE offers three tier levels for joining the Officer’s club.

And yes…The Fire Critic is a Chief Level Member of the Officer’s Club

4. Custom Leather Radio Strap

Many firefighters use leather straps to hold their radio. I suggest that the ones who don't give it a try to see how they like it. I know when I switched over from having my radio in my pocket it made a world of difference. 

There are many sources for radio straps. I have shared many custom leather companies who I have come to know over the years. 

I will point you in the direction of Box Alarm Leather, Leatherhead Projects, Leatherhead Concepts, 1st in Leather, and Wolfpak Leatherworks for this article.

3. Firefighting Helmet Camera 

FireVideo.net (home of the Fire Cam) has everything you need to capture your point of view in HD. You never know what the camera will capture while you are running calls, training, or whatever else you do in your helmet!

One thing that many learn about using helmet cameras is that not only do you have to make sure the battery is charged…YOU HAVE TO TURN IT ON. Fire Cam has come up with a simple one button push to get the camera on and recording…it is as simple as that. 

2. Personal Flashlight – Streamlight Vantage

• Rotates 360 degrees on clamp; Bright blue tail light LED;
• On/off switch operates with heavy gloves on; Attach or remove in seconds with no tools;
• weighs 5.14 oz. w/batteries; Clamps on above or below helmet brim; Bulb: LED; Finish: Matte Black;
• Output (lumens): 80; Power Source: CR123A Lithium, x 2; Switch: Dual-Direction On/Off Switch;

Everyone needs a back-up flashlight. This is one of the best!

1. Custom Leather Helmet Shield

Hopefully by now, you (or the firefighter you are shopping for) has a traditional helmet. Better yet would be a leather helmet…but not everyone wears them. If they have a traditional helmet, all they need now is the most identifiable part of their PPE…the custom leather helmet shield (helmet front). 

I suggest you take a look at Box Alarm Leather for their fronts. It is what I wear.

 MARRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL FIRE FIGHTERS IN KENYA AND BEYOND

World's First Fire Wardens : 1648

Governor of New Amsterdam (New York City), appointed 4 fire wardens in 1648 which was the first organized fire prevention inspections in America. The Fire Wardens were allowed to inspect every home in the city for proper cleaning and construction of chimneys. If fires were started due to negligent cleaning or construction of chimneys and fire places, the Fire Wardens could issue fines to the home owners.

America's First Paid Fire Fighters - 1679

After a large fire in Boston, Thomas Atkins was appointed as the First Fire Chief. The first paid firefighters were hired in 1679 in Boston, Massachusetts. In 2008, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 365,600 paid firefighters.

First Volunteer Fire Department - 1736

December 7, 1736-First Union Fire Company established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by Benjamin
Franklin. Good will or amateur men agreed to respond to fires and attempt to extinguish the fires.Use of strong bags, baskets, and (more commonly) leather buckets coined the phrase the “Bucket Brigade.” Homeowners required to provide a bucket on their doorsteps for the first

arriving volunteers to use. Approximately 30 men made up the first volunteer fire department.

 

The Great Chicago Fire - 1871

America’s fastest growing city in 1871 was Chicago. Rapid growing populations meant construction of city
mainly was wood and other combustible material. The city had been facing a drought that brought high
winds along with it. October 9, 1871- Fire started in O’Leary Barn. Legend states the fire was started by Mrs. O’Leary’s cow knocking a lantern over onto hay, however this has never been proven. 3 Fire Departments responded to the call. Chicago FD, Milwaukee FD, and Cincinnati FD. Firefighters were given wrong directions to the fire. High winds and wooden building construction allowed fire to grow and spread quickly to the heart of the city. The fire engulfed the Chicago Waterworks plant and brought firefighting efforts to a standstill. The fire burned until it ran out of fuel. DEATH AND DAMAGE TOLL: 250 people dead and  Fire destroyed 1/3 of Chicago’s buildings. CODE CHANGES: Fire and building codes in place for new spacing and construction materials required to be used for reconstruction. The first week of October as National Fire Prevention Week marks the anniversary of this fire.

HISTORY OF FIRE GIVES FIRE MARSHALS A REFLECTION OF WHERE WE ARE COMING FROM