The below is a list for the most common reasons for household fire, with the right precautions, and employing the correct protection standards, the risk of household fire can be mitigated and you can either save lives of your dear ones, as well as saving those hard earned dollars that you invested in your home
Kitchen Stoves:
- Never leave the stove unattended.
- Check that electric cords, curtains, tea towels and oven cloths are at a safe distance from the stove top.
- Be careful of long flowing sleeves contacting gas flames.
Faulty Wiring:
- Always use a qualified electrician.
- Double adaptors and power-boards can overload power points.
- Install safety switches and correct fuses.
Smoking in Bed:
- Smoking in bed can be fatal – tiny embers can smoulder unnoticed and burst into flame much later.
Lighting:
- Check light fittings for heat build up.
- Discard lampshades that are close to light globes & lamp bases that can be knocked over easily.
- Ensure recessed downlights are properly insulated from wood panelling or ceiling timbers.
Flammable Liquids:
- Store all flammable liquids such as petrol, kerosene, methylated spirits away from heat.
- Always check the label before use and storage.
- Use extreme care when pouring.
Clothes Dryers:
- Always clean lint filters after each load.
- Avoid drying bras in your dryer as the underwire can get caught and start a fire.
Candles:
- Never leave burning candles unattended. Do not sleep with a burning candle.
- Make sure curtains and other flammable items are well away from burning candles.
Home Heating:
- Make sure all appliances are professionally installed.
- Check that walls and floors are insulated from heat sources.
- Be careful where you place portable appliances.
- Never leave an open fire alight when you leave the house or go to bed.
- Place a mesh guard in front of open fires.
- Have your chimney and flue cleaned annually.
- Never leave children unattended near fires and heaters.
- Clothing should not be dried close to heaters or fires.
Children:
- Warn all children about playing with fire.
- Keep all matches, lighters and candles out of reach of small children.
- Teach young children to bring matches or lighters they find to an adult immediately.
- Teach older children that matches are a tool to be used in the presence of adults.
- Brief your babysitter on your fire plan – make sure they know all exits and emergency telephone numbers. Make sure the babysitter understands fire survival techniques
