7 useful safety fire tips from SAPS
The police warned the public to be knowledgeable about fire safety because of the cold weather.
With the cold weather upon us, the SAPS urged the public to adopt and implement these tips for fire safety:
• Never make a fire inside your house or shanty
You could fall asleep while the ‘dombolo barrels’ are still burning, and remember, never smoke in bed or leave candles burning at night.
• Never leave your kitchen unattended while cooking
It only takes a few seconds for a fire to start. If you must leave the kitchen for any reason, ensure you ask someone to watch the food for you or turn everything off until you return.
• Inspect your heating sources
House fires could start if your home heating sources do not work correctly or if you fall asleep while the heater is on. Be extra careful when using electric blankets.
• Store flammable products correctly
Household cleaners and items like hair spray and shaving cream could be hazardous if exposed to a heat source. Always store them safely in a cool area away from any heaters.
• Maintain your wires
Do not overload plugs with extra heating appliances. Before you plug something into a socket, ensure the wire hasn’t been torn or chewed up (if you have pets).
Damaged wires are a fire hazard, and you replace them as soon as possible. Also, remember that wires get hot when in use, so check your wire placement and avoid passing them under a carpet or anything that could catch fire.
• Be cautious with open flames
Be careful around your fireplace. Always extinguish a fire before going to bed. If you have small children or pets, keep the open flames out of their reach as much as possible.
• Keep a fire extinguisher or blanket around at all times
Fire extinguishers and blankets are your best defence if a fire breaks out. Every family member should know how to use the extinguisher so that if something does catch fire, they can quickly extinguish it.
Fire blankets are handy for putting out small fires, but call the fire brigade if you see the fire becoming larger, fiercer, or life-threatening.
