STAY safe this winter.
Many people are either killed or maimed in domestic fires in Zululand each year as they attempt to heat their homes to ward off the wintry weather.
Already this year, several homes have been gutted in Zululand, as a result of poor response by emergency services and inadequate fire preventative methods in the home.
To protect yourself, it is important to understand the basic characteristics of fire.
Fire spreads quickly, there is little or no time to gather valuables or make a phone call. In just two minutes, a fire can become life-threatening. In five minutes, a residence can be engulfed in flames.
Edmund Van Reenan from Firecare Professional Maintenance and Installation said, ‘Knowledge is key in preventing fires and loss of life. One does not think that a fire could occur in their home and people do not know what to do when a fire occurs.
Both adults and children need to know what causes fires and what to do in the event of one.’
Van Reenan added that a fire drill in a household is something that every family should do at least twice a year and a planned escape route from all the rooms in the house should be designed.
Safety steps to follow
Install a fire or smoke alarm in your home, test it regularly and change the batteries at least once a year.
Never leave fires, candles or any form of naked flame in the home unattended and ensure candles are secure before lighting.
Never leave children around fires, candles or matches unsupervised.
Keep a fire blanket and suitable extinguisher handy in the kitchen as most fires start in the kitchen. A fire blanket is able to smother flames either on a person or on a stove.
Avoid wearing baggy clothes while cooking and around heaters, candles and open fires.
Never smoke in bed and ensure that all cigarettes and candles are extinguished before retiring for the night.
In the event of a fire, have a plan. Make sure you have more than one escape route should your route become blocked.
If you have gas, oil or coal-burning appliances, be aware of carbon monoxide. Ensure your home is properly ventilated and equipment is regularly serviced and maintained.
Turn off portable heaters, as well as gas and electric fires before going to bed.
If you have an open fire make sure the fire guard is secure and in place.
Keep heaters away from furniture and curtains.
