A fire at a property in Bond Street, Randburg, has once again highlighted the importance of fire awareness in homes and commercial properties.
On 9 April at approximately 05:50 Fidelity ADT received an alarm activation. On arrival Reaction Officer Monama found the building already on fire. He alerted the Fidelity ADT control room who then alerted the fire department. The private guard who was already on the premises had not realised there was a fire.
“Every year more and more businesses and houses are lost to fire around the country. Fire moves and spreads quickly, in fact, it generally takes less than 30 seconds for a small flame to escalate into a major fire. Business and homeowners need to be aware of the potential dangers of fire and ensure that their homes and businesses are equipped, not only to detect a fire but, also to ensure that everyone on the premises knows how to deal with a fire if one should break out.
“It is important to realise that it is not only the flames that present a danger when a fire breaks out. The heat and harmful gas emitted can often be even more life threatening,” says Steven Bronks Community development Manager says.
He offers the following important tips on fire safety and encourages business owners and parents to share these with everyone working or residing on the premises (this includes children and domestic staff):
- Do not overload electrical sockets or run electrical cords under carpets.
- Develop and practice an escape plan – plan two ways out of every room.
- Display your local fire department telephone number near the phone, then memorise it.
- If you smell or see smoke, crawl on the floor to the nearest exit.
- Never open a door that is hot to the touch.
- Alert or wake everybody in the building as quickly as possible.
- If your clothing catches fire – STOP DROP & ROLL.
- Never re-enter the premises for personal belongings.
- Only tackle the fire if it is safe to do so.
Bronks stresses that every business and household should be equipped with at least smoke detectors, a fire extinguisher and a fire blanket.
“There are products to suit every budget and for a minimal investment you will have a valuable early-warning system and the means to get a minor fire under control. The cause of the fire is unknown and fortunately there were no injuries,” Bronks concludes.
Ends