Should you have any queries regarding donations please contact us on: info@cgfa.co.za
Here comes the really difficult part for us – because as much as we love to help our community, there are costs associated to keeping operational and ensuring that our members are able to do what they can to help out. Most of our costs are covered by our volunteers directly, and as an organisation driven to support our community, we would appreciate the community supporting us. With this being said, we have compiled a list of items associated to fire rescue, and detailed breakdown of these items can be provided along with the cost should be interested in sponsoring the same.
Everyday requirements
Personal Liability and Equipment Insurance
This insurance covers our members against any party suing them while in service, for financial loss, physical injury or death, as well as the loss of equipment. This is a non-negotiable for our members, of which the cost is currently directly covered by them.
Communication Tools & Data Usage
As you can imagine, a stable communication line between our members is of critical importance to know what is happening inside and outside of calls, this ranges from internal & external conditions to HSE risks that may be unknown to search & rescue teams. Communication lines, that are stable and can cover the distances required are costly. Each member is required to rent out (from a 3rd party), a radio, as well as cover their own data costs. The monthly costs pertaining to this must have, is R400 per member.
Fuel & Maintenance of Vehicles
All members utilize their own personal vehicles to respond to calls, patrolling, registration and the kitting out of these vehicles is of paramount importance – so that they are easily recognised as fire response.
Further Education and Training for Volunteers
As our member base currently consists of volunteers and skilled certified members, we have identified a need to ensure that all our volunteers receive the required training to respond to emergency calls. Part of the responsibility undertaken by our members, includes staying up to date with the ever-changing legislation and regulations ensuring compliance and duty “fitness”, which necessitates the need for refresher course or further training.
Bunkers (PPE)
Bunker gear is a fire-resistant suit that our members wear as face extreme heat & high temperatures on the job. Made to withstand though conditions, bunkers form the primary protection of our members. Typically, these suits are made from multiple layers including Nomex-Kevlar which is light enough to wear while providing maximum protection through heavy duty wear and tear. The average lifespan of a kit is between 5 and 10 years depending on the usage.
Flash Hood
Seen as something small, but a hood is a non-negotiable for any firefighter as it protects the neck and head. This is a crucial piece of equipment that a firefighter needs to ensure their own safety when responding to calls.
Gloves
Firefighters should carry two sets of gloves. The first is a Nomex-based pair, which is used when tackling fires. They are mainly worn for their fire resistance and hand protection during the incident. The second par is a rescue set, that is used for extrication work in vehicle accidents where we need to excoriate people from mangled vehicles.
Boots
Steel toed and very expensive, bots are made of a thick layer of leather with water and fire protection coating. The soles a thick, which makes these boots extremely heavy but durable in all conditions faced.
Helmet
Head protection is vital to the well-being and safety of our firefighters. They are there more so to protect the firefighter from falling debris when entering, moving in and around a scene than from a fire.
SCBA
In order to ensure complete protection of firefighters they must don (wear) a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA), this is another non-negotiable item. Due to the toxic and sometimes noxious gases released from fires, all of our fire fighters are required to wear SCBA’s at every incident where they are exposed to gasses.
Tool Kits
Firefighters are often required to perform duties that involve intricate wiring or obstructions. In each tool kit we have various items including pliers, side cutters, rescue knifes and spanners, all of which tuck away into our banker pants.
