As the days become shorter and the nights colder, Chubb Fire, a division of Chubb Security South Africa, offers some practical advice on how to stay safe from fire this winter.
Hundreds of people are either killed or maimed in domestic fires across the country each year as people attempt to heat their homes to ward off the wintery weather, says Coenraad Calitz, managing director of Chubb Fire. “A house fire can start unexpectedly at any time and people need to be particularly careful at this time of year as they resort to additional heating.
“Thousands of homes each year suffer some form of fire, and for many the consequences can be devastating in both loss of life and property. What is really staggering is the number of homes still without any form of basic fire or smoke alarm. For just a few Rands this can mean the difference between life and death."
To help people prepare for winter, Chubb has put together a 12 point guide to fire safety.
1. Fit a fire or smoke alarm. Test your alarm and change the batteries at least once a year.
2. Never leave fires, candles or any form of naked flame in the home unattended and ensure candles are secure before lighting.
3. Never leave children around fires, candles or matches unsupervised.
4. Keep a fire blanket and suitable extinguisher handy in the kitchen. A fire blanket is able to smother flames either on a person or on a stove. Most reputable fire organisations sell home safety fire-fighting kits
5. Avoid wearing baggy clothes while cooking and around heaters, candles and open fires.
6. Never smoke in bed and ensure that all cigarettes and candles are extinguished before retiring for the night.
7. In case of a fire, have a plan. Make sure you have more than one escape route should your route become blocked.
8. 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.
9. Turn off portable heaters, as well as gas and electric fires before going to bed.
10. If you have an open fire make sure the fire guard is secure and in place.
11. Keep heaters away from furniture and curtains.
12. Use your common sense.
“We are all guilty of bringing out the extra heater, dusting it down and turning it on without rechecking that it is in proper working order and it is all too easy for people to be lazy and not take adequate precautions to prevent a fire in the home,” says Calitz. “However, people need to be extra vigilant, particularly in the coming months as it gets colder and people go to extra lengths to keep themselves and their homes warm.”
For more information contact Coenraad Calitz, Chubb Fire, 0861 101 911.
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