Limit the risk of a house fire by knowing what can spark one

Charnel Hattingh, Head of Marketing and Communications for Fidelity ADT, says it is imperative that homeowners make fire prevention part and parcel of home security, as being prepared for a fire emergency can literally save lives.

“It is not something we want to think about, but a house fire is a real possibility, especially if you look at the common causes of fires in the home. A fire can spread very quickly. In fact, it generally takes less than 30 seconds for a small flame to escalate into a major fire.

“With your most valued possession at risk, it is best to be prepared for the worst while obviously hoping such an emergency will not happen to you,” Hattingh says.

Not all fires are caused by human negligence though. Environmental factors and changing weather patterns also contribute to runaway veld fires, which can quickly spread to suburbs and destroy property and lives, as was the case in Cape Town recently.

While the majority of household fires are accidental, there are several ways to mitigate the risk of a fire breaking out in the home at all.

Smoke detectors are an affordable early-warning system and should ideally be placed in every room in the home. These are most valuable in an emergency if they are linked to an armed response service provider.

“Fire safety starts with knowing the possible cases of fires and being aware of the seemingly harmless objects and materials in your home that could ignite. The biggest culprits to be aware of are any form of electrical appliance, gas and open heat sources,” says Hattingh.

Common sources of household fires also include:

• Worn or damaged electrical cables on appliances.
• Lit cigarettes left unattended.
• Fireplaces or burning candles left unattended.
• Children playing with matches.
• Heaters and electric blankets.
• Burning oil on a stove top.
• Braai fires left unattended.

“Most of these fire risks would be accelerated by another source, for example, curtains near a heater or a thatched lapa near a braai fire,” Hattingh points out. “This is why it is important to keep the areas around any potential fire hazards clear of flammable materials and to never leave a heater, heating/cooking appliance or open flame unattended.”

10 tips to prevent a fire at home:

1. Install smoke detectors and link these to your armed response service provider.
2. Buy a fire extinguisher from a reputable dealer and know how to use it.
3. Know who to phone in an emergency – have the numbers on speed dial and on the fridge.
4. Note the warnings on appliances, for example, do not cover heaters or use them for any other purpose.
5. Check electrical cabling regularly and do not use it if it sparks or trips the power.
6. Do not overload plug sockets.
7. Never leave a burning candle, fireplace or a pot of oil on the stove unattended (and do not try to put an oil fire in the kitchen out with water).
8. If cooking with gas, close the valve tightly when finished using it.
9. Store flammable liquids safely away from children and open flames.
10. If you notice a veld fire near your house, contact the fire department immediately.

“To prevent the loss of lives and property, everyone needs to be aware of the danger of a fire breaking out at home and should have a safety plan in place,” Hattingh concludes.

“Make fire prevention part of the security protocols you already follow to keep your family and home safe. You do not have time to waste in a fire emergency so being prepared is your best defence.”