\u201cWhen our officers respond to the scene of a fire, more often than not there are no smoke detectors or fire extinguishers on the premises,\u201d said Agnieszka Gryn, general manager for Fidelity ADT\u2019s inland region.<\/p>\n
She added that while there seems to be a shift towards greater fire prevention measures being put in place in homes and businesses, more still needs to be done.<\/p>
\u201cThere is still a general apathy towards purchasing fire safety equipment with many residents thinking, \u2018it\u2019ll never happen to me\u2019.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, fires do break out as we\u2019ve seen with many of our customers.<\/p>
\u201cFires break out because of pots of oil left on the stove, veld fires on neighbouring properties, electrical faults and so on.<\/p>\n
\u201cFire has the potential to wipe out everything in its path in just minutes.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt can smoulder undetected for hours then suddenly explode engulfing the house.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou need to take every possible precaution to minimise the risks,\u201d said Gryn.<\/p>\n
With winter approaching we are entering 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.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Fire engulfs 50 shacks in Marathon informal settlement<\/a><\/p>\n Germiston Red Cross reaches out to the destitute<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n From June to the end of August, more fires are reported annually than during any other period in the year.<\/p>\n \u201cAs the months get colder, residents bring out heaters and light indoor fires.<\/p>\n \u201cOften appliances, such as heaters, that haven\u2019t been used for several months become electrically unsafe and can cause a fire when switched on for the first time.<\/p>\n \u201cResidents 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,\u201d Gryn said.<\/p>\n Gryn offered the following advice on how to get your home and business fire proof: <\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Firstly, having emergency numbers clearly displayed near a telephone is key. If a fire breaks out every second counts and numbers need to be on hand.<\/p>\n \u2022 Check your premises and identify potential fire hazards. Thatched roofs, exposed electrics, flammable liquids, gas cylinders and the likes should all be considered as hazards and action taken to minimise the risk.<\/p>\n \u2022 If you are buying, building or renovating your home, make sure all roofing materials are fire resistant.<\/p>\n \u2022 Install a smoke detector. 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. Consider linking the detector to your alarm or security system. If they are linked, your private security companies can contact the fire department on your behalf while sending out personnel to assist.<\/p>\n \u2022 Buy fire extinguishers and make sure these are kept in sight around the house. Ensure that they are regularly serviced.<\/p>\n \u2022 Clean your gutters regularly. Dry leaves and evergreen needles in rain gutters can easily catch fire.<\/p>\n \u2022 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.<\/p>\n \u2022 Do not overload electrical sockets or run electrical cords under carpets.<\/p>\n \u2022 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.<\/p>\n \u2022 Store firewood and other combustibles away from your home and keep the lids on your dustbins.<\/p>\n \u2022 Lastly, having an evacuation plan in place is paramount. Everyone needs to know what the quickest escape route is should a fire break out and where the fire extinguishers and blankets are. Never re-enter the house for personal belongings should a fire break-out. If your clothing catches fire \u2013 stop, drop and roll. Tackle the fire only if it is safe to do so.<\/p>\n \u201cI urge all residents and business owners not to wait until an incident happens but to get active and fire proof their premises now,\u201d said Gryn.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Have a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za <\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or\u00a0Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n