Fire safety tips for summer festivities
During summer, most fires are caused by negligence and over excitement that leads to the loss of our hard-earned properties and worst-case scenario, our precious lives.
Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the exothermic chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light and various reaction products.
Fire can be caused either accidentally or deliberately. Several things can lead to a fire breaking out in our homes.
“Knowing the risk factors will assist in avoiding accidental fires of which, in return, will save the dwellers and protect them from wrongful deaths. Understanding the reactivity of fire is a vision of preventing them from happening,” said William Ntladi, district manager media liaison of DEMS.
DEMS wants to share the following safety tips:
Electrical energy from different appliances
Self-connection of electricity by unqualified personnel is a common practice in many instances. In many informal settlements, dwellers are self-connecting from different high-powered energy sources. Safety is being compromised, as live wires are running across the streets without insulations.
Residents found themselves at a high risk of being electrocuted, moreover the children. Overloading of the power demand from the energy source outlet to many other electrical appliances at our homes is still a common practice. Worn electrical cables under the carpet are a potential cause of fires at homes as well.
Cooking appliances
Braai areas/equipment are mostly left unmonitored. In this case, thatch roof homes and lapas are most likely to catch fire during strong winds. Pots left unmonitored during cooking can resist heat up to a certain level and can catch alight very easily thereafter. Toasters and frying devices can also start a fire if they are damaged and left unmonitored or if the power supply cord is damaged.
Lighting sources
Candles and paraffin lamps moreover during power failures in both formal and informal dwellings. Candles are a common sight in many homes and while they look and smell pretty, they can pose a major threat to our homes if they are left unattended.
A house fire can easily start from a candles/paraffin lamp that tip over or from one that is too close to curtains or other flammable materials. Never leave a room without blowing out the candles or paraffin lamps. Never sleep with a lit candle or paraffin lamp. Keep them away from children and pets as they can be easily knocked over.
Smoking
Smoking in bed is a potential risk, moreover when one is under the influence of intoxicating substances or suffering from fatigue.
“We advise residents to be on high alert when using energy sources during summer festivities to avoid the devastation of losing properties and lives.
“Do your part to keep your family safe out of these common possible hazards. Protect your home and save the lives of your loved ones against fires.
In case of fires or any life-threatening incident, call the life-threatening emergency number on 011 458 0911 or 10177 or 112 for fire and rescue teams from your nearest fire station in the City to respond and assist accordingly,” said Ntladi.
