Fire safety tips for the home

KZN Emergency Medical Services attend to multiple cases every year that involve fires, and the number of incidents increase as winter approaches and during the winter months.

Fires can be caused if cables are connected to a power source illegally or unsafe wiring, where the wiring has not been done correctly. Plug points are also often over-loaded, with multiple devices connected to a plug.

When needing to use candles, gas stoves or braziers, consider the following safety points:
DON’T:
1- Leave candles or cookers unattended.
2- Leave cooking pots unattended while they are being used on a stove.
3- Allow children to play around fires.
4- Use candles or cookers near curtains or on an uneven surface.
5- Use illegal or unsafe electric connections.

If there is a fire or it is suspected that there may be a fire, immediate action needs to be taken.
1- Raise the alarm/wake up others in the house. This may also mean neighbours, depending on the living arrangements.
2- Evacuate the building – crawl if necessary.
3- If clothes are on fire, lie on the floor and roll.
4- Only put water on burn wounds.
5- Remove burnt clothing and jewellery from burnt areas of the body.

Despite there being many aspects of fire safety, these are a few basic concepts that can help prevent the start and spread of fires, which can not only cause burns but also severe complications from inhaling the smoke.

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