Take home fire prevention seriously
'It’s a critical time of the year for education around fire safety.'
Gauteng’s beautiful dry winters bring the threat of veld fires, often started by lightning.
These can be devastating to vegetation, homes, humans and animals. The biggest threat, however, remains household fires which are mostly started accidentally by people being careless with open flames.
In Toekomsrus on Tuesday, a single mom and her son is now homeless after their shack burnt down. The week before, a man’s house nearly burned down after his gas heater allegedly was leaking.
According to Theunis Kotze, General Manager ADT Inland Region, it’s a critical time of the year for education around fire safety.
ADT has in the past conducted a survey among its residential clients regarding fire safety and prevention. The results were alarming, Kotze says, indicating that very few people have smoke alarms and even fewer have a fire extinguisher in the home.
Installing smoke alarms isn’t common practice in South Africa – but it should be.
“Linked to an armed response service, you’ll have peace of mind that help is on its way in the event of a fire emergency, when every second counts,” Kotze says.
One of the most common causes of residential fires, in ADT’s experience, are indoor or outdoor fireplaces. Thatch lapas are especially vulnerable. Kotze recalls a case where a resident’s lapa burnt to the ground due to a Chinese lantern someone else had released into the air.
Kotze says other causes of household fires ADT has responded to include worn out electrical wires and appliances, burning candles, heaters, electric blankets, children playing with matches, gas leaks and burning oil left unattended on a stove.
Dos and Don’ts:
DO:
• Install smoke alarms and have them linked to your alarm system
• Buy at least one fire extinguisher for your home
• Know your emergency numbers and what to do in an emergency
• Check electrical cables for faults and take note of warnings on electrical appliances
• Keep low when exiting a smoke-filled room and cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth
• Work out an emergency fire drill with your family
DON’T:
• Leave a burning candle, heater, pot of oil or fire unattended – ever!
• Pack up your personal belongings before getting to safety
• Try to put an oil fire out with water
• Open a door which is hot to the touch
• Go back into the house if you’ve made it outside safely
• Go into a room that is on fire
Fire safety is complex but there are certain basic concepts that help prevent the start and spread of fires.
“Fires can be deadly and devastating. We therefore encourage everyone to spend a bit of time thinking about fire prevention and taking steps to ensure their loved ones are protected from the outbreak of a fire due to negligence,” concludes Kotze.
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Also read:
Blaze leaves single om and son homeless
Stay warm this winter … safely
Gas heater nearly burned down my house – owner
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