Media Release for Advertorial
May 2014
Fire proof your home this winter
Winter is a high danger period for fires because of electricity shortages, drier and more static air, overloading of power sockets and the prevalence of indoor fireplaces being used in homes. From June to the end of August, more fires are reported annually than during any other period in the year.
Clive Humphrey, Managing Director of ADT Central Region, says people need to be aware of this potential danger and should ensure their homes and businesses are equipped, firstly to detect a fire and, secondly, to deal with one should a fire break out.
As the months get colder, residents bring out heaters and light indoor fires. Often appliances, such as heaters, that have not been used for several months become electrically unsafe and can cause a fire when switched on for the first time.
“Fire has the potential to wipe out everything in its path in just minutes. It can smolder undetected for hours then suddenly explode in fiery destruction. You need to take every possible precaution to minimise the risks,” says Humphrey.
Consider these helpful tips to keep your home and business safe from fire this winter:
- Install a carbon monoxide fire detector. Having a smoke detector is a safe, effective, and unobtrusive way of protecting a home or business against the dangers of fire. It acts as an early warning detection service of a potential fire hazard. The detector will not pick up a naked flame but rather smoke or a smouldering fire. This is a key preventative measure that people should consider installing. Consider linking your detector to an armed response service. An alarm notification will be sent to the control room when smoke is detected.
- When buying, building or renovating your home, make sure all roofing materials are fire resistant.
- Clean your gutters regularly. Dry leaves and evergreen needles in rain gutters can easily catch fire.
- Trim back any tree limbs that are within close range of your chimney and dead limbs overhanging your home to prevent them from catching fire.
- 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 live near a veld, consider removing any dry branches that may hang over your property wall that could catch fire should a veldfire break out. Creating a fire break to prevent sparks and embers from entering your property may also be worthwhile considering.
- Store firewood and other combustibles away from your home, and keep the lids on your dustbins.
- Never re-enter the house for personal belongings should a fire break-out. If your clothing catches fire – STOP, DROP & ROLL.
- Tackle the fire only if it is safe to do so.
“Remember, in a fire emergency every second counts. Getting the fire department to the property as soon as possible is crucial. Assist them by ensuring your house number is clearly visibly. It is also very important that the fire department can access the property when they arrive so ensure your security provider, neighbour or someone nearby has keys or a gate remote control to enable access. Education is also key, so ensure all members of the household are aware of the fire drill procedures before an emergency occurs. Let’s work together to make this winter a fire-free one,” Humphrey concludes.
