FIRE

How prepared are you if there’s a fire in your home, office, or car? Do you have fire extinguishers that are functioning? Do you know how to operate them? Fires extinguishers are best for small contained fires and the best time to learn how to use one is now (before a fire). Nobody prays for a fire to happen where we live or work, but we need to be prepared in the event of a fire to ensure safety.

If you are looking to buy or rent a house; one of the things you should consider is fire safety; are there escape routes? If it’s a story building, is there a safety staircase or fire escape?

Tips for preventing fire accidents

1. Always switch off electrical appliances at the main socket when not in use
2. Cultivate the habit of maintenance; Do not use faulty electrical appliances and make sure they are fixed promptly
3. Avoid overloading of electrical circuits
4. Candles are commonly used in many homes in this environment; make sure it’s placed in a candle holder, far from curtains, furniture and reach of children. When leaving the room, snuff out the light of the candle and don’t sleep off with a candle on.
5. Do not use insecticides, body sprays near naked flame.
6. Ensure that burners are turned off
7. Do not keep inflammable fluids like petrol, kerosene near burners, or stove

If a fire accident occurs

8. Don’t stop to pick anything and don’t try to hide in a closet, try and get out as fast as you can
9. Cover your mouth and nose with a piece of clothing while trying to get out to prevent inhaling the smoke and suffocating
10. Stay at low to the ground as possible as smoke always rises and crawl on the ground
11. Don’t stop to take personal belongings, your safety should be first
12. Never go back into a burning building once safely outside
13. Stop, drop on the ground, and roll to extinguish flames if an article of clothing catches on fire

Practice fire drills at home, even with your children. Fire drills are a simulation of how everyone will respond if there’s a fire and the alarm goes off. Teach your children these safety tips, teach them how to prevent fires, what to do if they are somewhere and there’s a fire accident whether at home or in school.