ADT cautions residents to avoid fires

This dire warning was issued by security company, ADT, in cautioning residents on fire-related incidents.

This comes after two homes in Bryanston were ravaged by fires in the past few months.

Clive Humphrey, managing director of ADT Central Region, stressed the dangers that fires can pose on homes and businesses.

“People need to be aware of this potential danger and should ensure their homes and businesses are equipped, firstly to detect a fire and, secondly, to deal with one should a fire break out,” he said.

Humphrey added that oftentimes, residents never believe that a fire can break out in their home and when it does, the effects are devastating.

He offered tips for residents to safeguard against fires breaking out, including waking everyone up in the event of a fire.

“I would caution residents to not overload electrical sockets or run electrical cords under carpets, as this can potentially cause a fire,” he said.

Other tips include:

• Know where your fire extinguisher is and how it works.
• Develop and practice an escape plan – plan two ways out of every bedroom.
• Display your local fire department telephone number near the phone, then memorise it.
• Crawl on the floor when there is smoke.
• Never open a door that is hot to touch.
• If your clothing catches fire – STOP, DROP and ROLL.
• Have a safe place to meet out of the house.
• Never re-enter the house for pets or personal belongings.

Have you ever had a fire in your home or know of any safeguarding tips? Let the Midrand Reporter know in the comments section below.