Holding Out for a Herman: the Heroes Behind the Blizt Bomb

The recent discovery of an unexploded World War II bomb on a building site in London ensured that at least one part of the 2012 Olympics went off with a bang - if a little early!

The rusting German bomb was unearthed by construction workers as they were clearing out waterways near Bromley-by-Bow tube station in east London. Army bomb disposal officers from the Royal Engineers were called in to deal with the 1,000kg device, often referred to as a 'Herman' because of its stout shape. Unfortunately, as they worked, the bomb started to ooze liquid and to tick, making their job more dangerous.

The officers quickly ensured the detonator was made safe, the bomb was surrounded with almost 400 tonnes of sand, and finally detonated with a safe but impressively loud explosion. The remainder of the explosive was then burned off to make the whole device safe before its removal.

The discovery, the largest WWII bomb discovered in 30 years, reminded many London older residents of how their city, and others such as Coventry, just managed to survive the Blitz. The preservation of life and property that was achieved during the relentless bombing raids was probably due in no small measure to the establishment of the National Fire Service in 1941.

Helped by volunteer fire-watchers and the Home Guard, the National Fire Service battled blazes to save lives and home. Just like the bomb disposal officer who returned to the London bomb several times against order, these WWII firefighters were definitely unsung heroes.

Today, fortunately, you don't need to be a hero to help prevent fire. Here's Fire Protection Online's top three tips to how you can help fight fire - without taking unnecessary risks.

1. Don't be a hero

If you discover a fire and you do not have the means or knowledge to tackle it safely, call the Fire Brigade immediately. If you are in a building and discover a fire, always sound the alarm immediately to alert others. In the event of a fire at your home, always evacuate the house first and call the Fire Brigade. In other words, if in doubt, get out.

2. Know how to use basic fire safety equipment

Fire Protection Online sell a wide range of home and office fire safety equipment, which all come with comprehensive usage instructions. Make sure you take time to read these instructions on every item you install, from fire blankets to smoke alarms, and make sure they are properly maintained too.

3. Train your staff to use fire extinguishers effectively

Proper training in the correct use of the main types of fire extinguishers can help save lives and property. Make sure you and your staff know which fire extinguishers to use on the various types of fire they may encounter, whether water fire extinguishers, powder fire extinguishers, CO2 extinguishers or wet chemical fire extinguishers. There are a variety of training courses and dvds available to help, or ask your local Fire Brigade for advice.

You can see pictures of the bomb, complete with the bomb disposal officer's reassuringly normal deck chair beside it, at www.london2012.com/blog. If you want to know how they probably defused it, read Osmund Bullock's post at the bottom of www.thisislondon.co.uk