Basic fire safety at homes

Fire is one of the biggest threats to the property with losses adding up to billions of Naira in damages every year. Of the average “354,400" home structure fires per year”, most were caused by cooking (49%), followed by heating equipment (14%), which presents an added level of risk during winter lockdowns, Electrical distribution, and lighting equipment (10%), intentional (8%) this includes fires started by children. Smoking materials (5%). Other causes that don’t make the top five candles (2%) and exposure to another fire 4(%), often when a neighbors home goes up in flames.

During a fire, early warning from a working smoke alarm plus a fire escape plan that has been practiced regularly can save lives. Fire safety refers to precautions that are taken to prevent or reduce the likelihood of a fire that may result in death, injury, or property damage. Fire safety encompasses the use of fire-resistant building materials, preventative actions, safe work practices, fire safety training, flame-resistant protective clothing, and more. Home fires can be extremely if not life-threatening. While it's difficult to live comfortably and conveniently while having eliminated all fire threats, there are steps you can take to ensure that high-risk home items are eliminated to potential risk.

Common fire hazards in a home may include:

1. Kitchen fires from unattended cooking, grease fires/chip pan fires

2. Candles and other open flames

3. Equipment that generates heat and utilizes combustible materials

4. Flammable solvents (and rags soaked with solvent)placed in enclosed trash cans

5. Heating appliances- fireplaces, wood-burning stoves, furnaces, boilers, portable heaters, solid fuels

6. Household appliances- clothes dryers, curling irons, hairdryers, refrigerators, freezers, boilers

7. Electrical wiring in poor conditions

8. Personal ignition sources – matches, lighters

9. Exterior cooking equipment – barbecue

Fire safety tips you must observe at home:

Install smoke alarms on every level of your home

It's very important to practice fire safety with kids, so be sure to familiarize your children with the sounds of the alarm(s). if someone in your home is deaf or hard of hearing, consider installing an alarm that combines flashing lights, vibration, and sound. After installing smoke alarms and always test them monthly to make sure they work and always change the batteries every 6months.

Plan a safe escape

Create various escape plans and practice them with your family and visitors. Your plans should include escape routes from different areas of the house, tools for exiting the building (escape ladders, items to open, break out windows), and a designated meeting place. 

Always monitor your kitchen while cooking

Unattended cooking equipment is a leading cause of home fires. Using grills on wooden or combustible decks is also a contributor. Keep grills, fryers, and cookers at least 3 feet away from your house and shrubs or bushes. Keep cooking appliances clear of combustible materials such as rags, towels, and packaging materials. And avoid children playing around in the cooking areas. 

Make fire extinguishers available

Learn how to use a fire extinguisher before there is an emergency. Store a fire extinguisher on every level of your home (kitchen, garage, and workshop). They should have an ABC rating, making them usable for all types of fires. While the specifications may vary depending on the model you own, most fire extinguishers operate the same basic way. Stand six to eight feet away from the fire and remember to PASS: 

• P- Pull the pin at the top to break the tamper seal.
• A- Aim at the extinguisher low, pointing the nozzle at the base of the fire. Do not aim at the flames themselves.
• S- Squeeze the handle to release the extinguishing agent.
• S- Sweep the extinguisher from side to side, continuing to aim at the base of the fire until it appears to be out.

Be careful with candles and other open flames

Never leave candles unattended and always keep them away from flammable items like blankets and curtains. Place candles in secure, tip-proof holders and extinguish them before leaving or going to sleep. If you would forget it's best you set a timer on your stove or phone.

It's easy for someone to go around the house every so often and eliminate potential safety risks, but to maintain safety in your home, starts by having open discussions and encouraging safe habits. Talk to your family members, visitors, and neighbors about safe habits and teach your children that safety is an important practice.

For more on safety practices, tips, or precautions always remember to send us an email at sales@safetynigeria.com….. your safety is our concern!