THE near tragic incident which occurred in Ridgeway, in the south of Johannesburg, on May 16, when a 77-year-old woman narrowly escaped death in a house fire after a leaking gas heater exploded, has once again highlighted the importance of fire safety in the home.
The woman allegedly called a gas company to replace or fix her gas heater before realising there was an actual leak. Before anyone could attend to the problem the heater exploded. The woman allegedly rushed back into her house to rescue her dogs and was overcome by the fumes. If it was not for the quick thinking actions of Fidelity ADT Reaction officers Anele Tukane and Alfred Muthany, who found her in her bedroom, as well as Winchester resident Arshad Vallee (30), and the local SAPS, she may not have survived the blast.
They carried her to the window, where she was taken by Vallee and the police officer to an ambulance and then to a helicopter. In a matter of just 10 minutes the entire house was engulfed in flames
Also Read: UPDATE: Gas bottle blamed for Townsview flat fire
Stuart Clarkson, Managing Executive at Fidelity ADT, said: “As we move into June and July with shorter days with less daylight, the risk of home fires increases. It’s a critical time of the year for education around fire safety. Every year we get called out to many fire incidents during the winter months. Besides the obvious threat of losing their lives, people can lose their homes and possessions in a matter of minutes when a fire breaks out.
“Very few people have smoke alarms and even fewer have a fire extinguisher in their 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.”
One of the most common causes of residential fires is indoor or outdoor fireplaces. Thatch lapas are especially vulnerable. Other causes of household fires 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.
Also Read: BREAKING NEWS: Elderly woman trapped in house fire on Leipoldt Street
Do’s and don’ts when it comes to fire:
Do the following:
• 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 ever:
• 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,” said Clarkson.
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