#WisdomWednesday: Fire safety tips after Toekies, Greenhills fires
For this week's #WisdomWednesday, the Herald asked Public Safety regional commander, Benny Mohlabeng for some safety tips after two fire incidents resulted in major damage to homes in Toekomsrus and Greenhills.
The Herald has reported on two fire emergencies in Randfontein recently. They occurred in Toekomsrus and Greenhills respectively, and resulted in the loss of hundreds of thousands of rands worth of property.
For this week’s #WisdomWednesday, the Herald asked Public Safety regional commander, Benny Mohlabeng for some safety tips regarding house fires.
For most people, homes are one-time assets, containing their most precious belongings. A home is the most important thing you own. It is prudent to secure your home and family against destructive elements such as fire. Many homes are destroyed by fire,” Mohlabeng said.
Listed below are 10 tips for ensuring fire safety for your home:
1. Install a few smoke detectors, preferably on each level. Smoke detectors with their early-warning mechanisms help save lives and property. All instructions regarding smoke detectors must be observed scrupulously.
2. Maintain and test smoke detectors periodically. Replace smoke-alarm batteries. Most detectors give out signals when the batteries get low.
3. Keep an eye out for potential fire hazards. Look for things like frayed or torn cords on electrical devices such as televisions, stereo systems, lamps or computers. Watch out for heaters that are too close to flammable items such as clothing, fabric, books, magazines or old newspapers.
4. Keep match boxes and lighters out of reach of children. Children are fascinated with fire, and their curiosity can cause dangerous situation. Keep temptation at bay by hiding matches and lighters. Better still, keep them locked away.
5. Be cautious when cooking or baking in the kitchen. Many home fires start in the kitchen. It’s always best to be cautious and exercise care in areas that are prone to fire accidents.
6. Have an emergency fire-exit plan handy at all times. Family members should be aware of this plan, and safety drills are in order from time to time. Escape plans have helped many families to be safe in fires.
7. Always exercise caution when using, placing or lighting candles. Candles can easily cause a fire if you are not careful. Have proper candle holders, protective covers and extinguishers for candles.
8. Prevent electrical fires by always unplugging all electronic devices and appliances after use. Plugged-in appliances and electronic devices are fire hazards.
9. Take good care of fireplaces or wood-burning stoves that you use during the winter. Ensure proper safety and upkeep of such devices, and keep children out of reach of fire.
10. Teach children about the hazards of fire and ensure they are aware of fire safety rules. Remember, the well-being of your family is important and everyone should understand the hazards of fire.
“Fires may occur due to accidents through carelessness or negligence. It is therefore essential to know of ways and means to keep your house safe from fires,” Mohlabeng added.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za  (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
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