Take extra precaution with open flames this Winter

THE biggest threat during the winter months is household fires which are mostly started accidentally by people being careless with open flames.

Charnel Hattingh, National Marketing and Communications Manager of Fidelity ADT, says it’s a critical time of the year for education about 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,’ she says.

She adds that when officers respond to the scene of a fire, more often than not there are no smoke detectors or fire extinguishers at the premises. While there seems to be a shift towards greater fire prevention measures being put in place in homes and businesses, more still needs to be done.

‘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,’ she says.

One of the most common causes of residential fires are 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.

‘We are entering a high danger period for fires, especially because of the high chance of power outages and drier and more static air.

‘From June to the end of August, more fires are reported annually than during any other period in the year,’ warns Hattingh.

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