Fires can be disastrous if not dealt with quickly. In a fire emergency, every second counts and getting the fire department to the property as soon as possible is crucial.
“The winter season generally sees an increase in the number of fires that are reported as people try to keep the cold weather at bay. A fire at your home can happen when you least expect it and that is why it is good to have measures in place to avoid excessive damage or loss,” Fidelity Services Group head of communications and marketing Chanel Hattingh said.
The company has put together a ‘fire safety checklist’ to help identify any vulnerable spaces.
Smoke alarms are an excellent idea to install around your home.
Fire extinguishers should be kept in the kitchen and garage. It is also useful to consider adding a fire blanket with the extinguisher in the kitchen.
Ensure all electrical cords and plugs are in good condition without frays or damage; electrical outlets should not be overloaded with plugs.
Heaters should be placed at least 1m away from flammable materials, like curtains, furniture, or bedding and if you have a fireplace, the chimney and vents are cleaned and inspected annually. If any heating appliances (such as hair curlers) were switched on when load-shedding started, please switch them off to avoid them catching fire when the power comes back later.
Stoves and ovens should be free from grease buildup and all flammable items like dish towels.
Ensure candles are placed on sturdy holders and kept far away from curtains, bedding and so on. Extinguish the candles before going to bed.
“In the event of a fire, ensure you and your family have an escape plan. You should have at least two ways to exit a room, with the keys placed at a predetermined centralised spot. Store any important documentation and emergency contacts in a fireproof safe,” Hattingh said.
Lastly, she warns that dealing with lithium-ion battery fires can be particularly dangerous.
“Lithium-ion fires don’t burn cleanly and can vent toxic gases into the surrounding area. If you have installed an inverter at home, investigate whether protection measures are adequate.”
The only accredited lithium fire extinguisher in SA is provided by Fidelity SecureFire, a member of the Fidelity Services Group.
