How to reduce risks of fire this winter

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.

Winter generally sees more fires reported because people try to keep the cold weather at bay.

A fire at your home can happen when you least expect it, so it is good to have in place measures to avoid excessive damage or loss.

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Below is a fire safety checklist issued by Fidelity ADT to help you identify vulnerable spaces in your residence:

• Installing smoke detectors in your home and where you have an accumulation of electronic equipment that needs recharging is an excellent idea.

• Ideally, one should have fire extinguishers in the kitchen and garage. Consider adding a fire blanket with the kitchen extinguisher.

• Ensure all electrical cords and plugs are in good condition, without frays or damage. Never overload electrical outlets with too many plugs.

• Heaters should be at least 1m away from flammable materials, like curtains, furniture, or bedding. If you have a fireplace, clean and inspect the chimney and vents annually.

If any heating appliances (including hair curlers or other such devices) were on when load-shedding started, switch them off to avoid unattended devices catching fire when the power returns.

• Stoves and ovens should be free of grease buildup and flammable items like dish towels.

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• Ensure you put candles on sturdy holders and keep them far from curtains, bedding, and other flammable materials. Always extinguish a candle before going to bed.

In a fire, ensure you and your family have an escape plan. You should have at least two ways to exit a room in your home.

Store crucial documentation and emergency contacts in a fireproof safe.

Dealing with lithium-ion battery fires can be particularly dangerous.

These batteries have proven well-suited for inverters because of their long life and high voltage, but you cannot extinguish such a fire with water or other traditional measures.

Lithium-ion fires can vent toxic gases into the surrounding area.

If you have an inverter installed at home, ensure your fire protection measures are adequate and appropriate for lithium fires.

Importantly, these require a lithium fire extinguisher that you should place close to your inverter or battery bank.