Page 25 - Blue Valley News June/July 2021

LIFESTYLE

A HEALTHY RESPECT FOR FIRE

By Josh Truter

espite climate change bringing us
some welcome unseasonal rain from Invest in a fire
Dtime to time, I keep reminding myself
that winter on the Highveld is normally dry extinguisher
and inhospitable. With load-shedding an
ever-present reality, we have to look for lots of
alternatives to keep ourselves warm, to keep
the ‘lights on’ at night and for cooking. Many
of the alternatives involve flames – wood,
anthracite, gas, paraffin and biofuel fires, gas
stoves and ovens, pizza ovens, and candles.
House fires normally start as a result of either
ignorance or negligence and can spread out
of control within a matter of minutes. This is
why one encourages residents to respond
quickly if they discover a fire that cannot
immediately be extinguished.
One only has to think of incidents where
entire homes have been gutted to understand
why it’s so essential to not only have access
to a privately-run rescue service, but also be
well-informed and trained in fire-fighting and
coping with other natural disasters oneself. fire starts. The most important strategy is to Refrain from running extension cords
get everyone quickly and safely out of the under carpets or across high traffic zones as
house if the fire looks like it’s out of control. they can become damaged over time. You
Here are some tips to help you 3. Invest in fire extinguishers and make sure should also make sure that the extension
improve safety in your home: that every member of the family and your cords that you do use are able to cope
1. Install smoke detectors on each level of staff know where to find them and how to with the load required by the appliances
your home, starting with the basement, use them. Having a few fire blankets is also that you are connecting to them – any
if you have one, and put together a a good idea, as these are handy to use if appliances that provide heat should only
schedule so that you remember to test anyone’s clothes are on fire. be linked to heavy duty extension cords
them regularly to make sure that they are 4. Check that the cords of all your electrical and should be disconnected after use.
all working. appliances, and extension cords, are in a 5. Keep cigarette lighters, matches and
2. Work out a fire escape plan and make sure good condition and aren’t damaged or firelighters out of reach of children at all
that all members of your family and staff frayed, as damaged electrical wires could times.
are thoroughly briefed on what to do if a spark and set curtains or upholstery alight.

BLUE VALLEY NEWS • Issue 3 2021 • 23