Being fire smart

Published : 26/08/2010 | Author: HOMEMAKERS | Annelien Nolte

This winter, like many others in South Africa, unfortunately caused big tragedy and heartache for some owing to uncontrollable fires in homes and yes even at an old age home in Nigel where 18 elderly people were killed.

Modern technology has made it possible and easy for us to keep warm during winter, but unfortunately where electricity, gas and fire are used, one must always be careful. It is in your hands to ensure that your home is fireproof, to assist you with this daunting task we take a look at what causes home fires and what you can do to prevent it or at least be prepared if something should happen.

The statistics

According to statistics almost 55% of all fire deaths as a result of house fires occur in developed urban areas, 25% occur in developed township areas, 18% occur in undeveloped urban areas and only 2% in rural areas. The biggest reason why fire deaths are so much higher in developed urban areas is due to the extreme safety and security measures people living in these areas put in place, resulting in them being trapped in their homes by a security gate, bars or windows – which also means that firemen are not able to reach them either.   What causes fires in your home?

There are various things that can cause a blaze in your home, here are just a few common fire starters:

Heaters, stoves, irons, electrical blankets and other electrical equipment that someone forgot to switch off or that were left unattended.
Candles that were left unattended or left burning near curtains etc.
Leaking gas heaters or stoves that explode.
Paraffin stoves that were left unattended.
An overh eating computer that ignites.
Cell phone chargers left unattended in the socket with nothing plugged into it to charge.
Electrical overload on one power source.
Children playing with matches or lighters near flammable objects.
Someone falling asleep with a lit cigarette in bed.

What should you do if there is a fire in your home?

Get out immediately. Don’t try to take your possessions: they can be replaced, you can’t. Find an exit - a window, door or something. Even if you have to wrap yourself in a duvet and throw yourself through your bedroom window.
Crawl under the smoke. Don’t try to run through it. You should also ‘stop, drop and roll’ if your clothes have caught on fire. Teach all these to your children too.
Your family should have a pre-determined place where you all know you should go if there is a fire in you home. That will make it easy to do a head-count and determine who is missing. It would be tragic if someone went back to the house to look for a person who was already outside, and got stuck in the fire.
Call the fire department. Don’t assume your neighbours did. During your call, give your physical address to the fire department as well as information about what is burning.

NB: Once out. Never ever try to go back in to get a pet or something. Chances of coming back out are slim to none.

How can you make your home fireproof?

Get smoke alarms: Install smoke alarms outside each bedroom and on every level of the home. Test smoke alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button, and check battery every year on your birthday. You will most likely be able to get these from you local DIY store or supermarket. You can also get this from http://www.saundersonsecurity.co.za for only R99.99 each.
Get fire extinguishers: These are readily available from most DIY and home stores like Midas. Place these where it can be reached easily and check it every month.
Check for gas leaks: Take your gas bottle to your nearest gas retailer to have it checked for leaks on a regular basis.
Unplug and switch off all electrical appliances that are not in use. Do not overload one single power source with two or three double adapters etc.
Avoid clutter: Keep clutter to a minimum in and around your home. Storing old paper boxes, magazines and materials such as linen tidied away in the home. A messy home can be hazardous if a fire breaks out and you need to find your way out of the house in the dark.
Never leave heaters, electrical blankets or stoves unattended or on when you are not at home.
Ensure that the fire is burnt our or under control after you had a braai en put your braai away from flammable objects while it is still hot.
Have heating appliances checked regularly.
A fireplace should be cleaned after every fire and it is most important to check if a fire has been extinguished properly before you leave the room or go to bed.
Watch your smoking. Smoking in bed is a huge fire hazard and should be avoided at all times. You could fall asleep or a spark from a cigarette or cigar could cause your duvet or pillows to catch fire. Cigarettes should be properly extinguished and it is wise to splash some water into the ashtray before emptying its contents into a bin.
Supervise children. Keep matches and lighters away from children and don’t let them use these items unsupervised. Educate children about the proper use of lighters, matches and candles.