Don’t cook up a fire storm in the kitchen
Fire Protection Week raises awareness of safety in the home, classrooms and in the workplace
DID you know that cooking is the number one cause of home fires and home fire injuries?
Unattended cooking is the leading cause of fires in the kitchen.
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That is why the theme for Fire Prevention Week 2020 is ‘Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!’.
Held annually, Fire Prevention Week aims to educate people about the simple, but necessary actions people can take to keep themselves and those around them safe in case of a fire.
It is observed during the week of 9 October to commemorate the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire, which started on 8 October, lasted for two whole days and left the city in ruin, with many deaths.
Apart from carrying out basic home fireproofing actions, the most important aspect of fire prevention lies in awareness.
People – especially young children – should be educated in smoke and fire safety because when it comes to fire, a few seconds can mean the difference between safety and a tragedy
Five tips to stay safe
*Maintain electrical safety: A large number of fires can be traced back to faulty wiring and electrical equipment. Consult a qualified electrician to conduct regular inspections to avoid the risk of electrical fire.
*Store chemicals safely: Flammable chemicals can be found in most workplaces in the form of printing supplies and cleaning products. Follow all documented advice and instructions found on the labels and safety data sheets for these items.
* Maintain fire safety training and hold regular drills. One of the most important parts of fire safety training concerns exit procedures. Knowing the best course of action in an emergency can help prevent major disasters and unnecessary loss of life and infrastructure.
* Fit relevant equipment. Smoke detectors and alarms should be fitted throughout your building and tested at regular intervals, with their batteries replaced annually. Ensure that you have the right fire-fighting equipment relevant to the possible threats present in every room.
* Appoint qualified service providers. Don’t fall victim to illegal service providers that are not SABS 1475 approved and whose technicians are not qualified or registered by the South African Qualification & Certification Committee for the Fire Industry (SAQCC).
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