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Fire prevention in your home or business?

A recent fire at a nightclub in Boksburg has once again highlighted the importance of fire safety for both homes and businesses. When a fire breaks out, the consequences can be devastating.

According to eNCA, a fire had broken out at Presleys nightclub in Boksburg, on the East Rand, on Saturday 10 September. Fortunately it appears that, except for a few people who had to be treated for smoke inhalation, no one suffered serious injuries.

Andrew Worthington, general manager, Fidelity Fire Solutions, a division of Fidelity Services Group, says it’s critical for education around fire safety all year round. “In the residential space, every year we get called out to many fire incidents. 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,” he says.

He 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,” he says.

For maximum protection, particularly for businesses, a comprehensive fire safety system is needed to ensure business continuity, personal safety and damage mitigation in case of fire.

“Fire safety is a long-term investment that must be carefully planned to minimise any operational interruptions, to ensure business continuity and ultimately to properly protect both people and property,” says Worthington.

Fidelity Fire Solutions advice

Do

• Install smoke alarms and have them linked to your alarm system.

• Buy at least one fire extinguisher for your home.

• Know your emergency numbers and what to do in an emergency.

• Check electrical cables for faults and take note of warnings on electrical appliances.

• Keep low when exiting a smoke-filled room and cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth.

• Work out an emergency fire drill.

Don't

• Leave a burning candle, heater, pot of oil or fire unattended – ever!

• Pack up your personal belongings before getting to safety.

• Try to put an oil fire out with water.

• Open a door which is hot to the touch.

• Go back into the house if you’ve made it outside safely.

• Go into a room that is on fire.

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