ADT helps clients to prevent house fires

Limpopo’s dry winters bring the threat of veld fires, devastating to vegetation, homes, humans and animals. The biggest threat however remains household fires which are mostly started accidently by people being careless with open flames.
As South Africa’s largest armed response service provider, ADT has recorded many household fires. Their reaction officers are trained to assist as far as possible in the event of a fire at a client’s property and deploy the right resources to deal with the emergency as quickly as possible.
Theunis Kotze, General Manager ADT Inland Region, says ADT has in the past conducted a survey regarding fire safety and prevention. The results were alarming, indicating that very few people have smoke alarms installed and even fewer have a fire extinguisher in the home, according to Kotze.
“Installing smoke alarms is not 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 an emergency,” Kotze says.
Two of the most common causes of residential fires, in ADT’s experience, are indoor or outdoor fireplaces. Thatch lapas are especially vulnerable. Kotze says other causes of household fires include worn out electrical wires and appliances, burning candles, heaters, electric blankets, children playing with matches, gas leaks and burning oil left unattended on a stove.
ADT safety tips:
Install smoke alarms and have them linked to the alarm system
Buy at least one fire extinguisher for the home
Know emergency numbers and what to do in a crisis
Check electrical cables for faults and take note of warnings on electrical appliances
Stay low when exiting a smoke-filled room, covering the nose and mouth with a damp cloth
Work out an emergency fire drill with all occupants
Never leave a burning candle, heater, pot of oil or fire unattended
Never pack up any personal belongings before getting to safety
Never try to put out an oil fire with water
Never open a door feeling hot to the touch
Never go back into the house after reaching safety
Never go into a room that is on fire

Featured Photo: Supplied – Theunis Kotze, General Manager ADT Inland Region, warns against preventable house fires.