DOMESTIC FIRES

Safety Measures in the Home:

The major sources of domestic fires are:

• Cooking
• Heating and
• Use of Electrical gadgets.

Domestic fires cause destruction to household properties and loss of life. Most of fire fatalities occur in the home and of these fatalities the highest percentage is the among the elderly.

Prevention is the best way to protect your family from fire. However, in the event of a fire, preparation becomes the key to making certain your family responds appropriately and safely.

The following are the central issues in safeguarding you and your home from fire:

• Take sensible safety measures around your home to avoid fire hazards.
• Install at least one smoke alarm on each floor level (for optimum use the smoke alarm on each floor should be located on the ceiling and should be checked regularly)
• Decide on a fire escape plan, and practice it regularly.

Smoke alarms/heat detectors

Make sure your home is equipped with enough smoke alarms and heat detectors to provide early detection of a fire so that your family has enough time to escape safely.

Fire extinguishers

• Place several fire extinguishers throughout your home, in accessible locations.
• Make sure that family members know where all fire extinguishers are located.
• Make sure the family members know the various types of extinguishers and their use for the type of fire.
• Make sure extinguishers are well labelled.

Sprinkler systems

Consider installing sprinkler systems when building or remodeling.

Safety plan

• Plan at least two escape routes from each room.
• Establish a family meeting place outside the home for everyone to gather in the case of a fire.
• Practice fire drills, especially for young children. Provide instruction as follows:
• Crawl on the floor – heat and smoke rise.
• Don’t open any door without first feeling it for heat. Never touch the handle, as it may be extremely hot. If the door is hot, don’t open it; use an alternative exit route.
• Go directly to the prearranged meeting place.
• Never return into a burning building to retrieve toys, pets, etc.

Cooking

The number one cause of fire in the home is cooking and the kitchen is where more home fires occur than anywhere else in the house.

Cooking is inevitable and to prevent the occurrences of the numerous fires, the following precautions need to be taken by the house owner:

• Never leave cooking food unattended, especially when frying, grilling or boiling food. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off the stove.
• Check your food regularly while cooking and remain in the home while cooking.
• Use a timer so you’ll remember that the stove or oven is on.
• Never overheat cooking oil because it can spontaneously ignite and create a large flame.
• Always have a fire blanket on a wall in the kitchen.
• Have a small powder type fire extinguisher, preferably 2kg in the kitchen and learn how to use it. If possible get a security provider to train you on home fire safety.