Page 32 - Fourways Gardens June 2021

Lifestyle

A heAlthy

reSpect

For Fire

B y Jo S h t ruter

3. Invest in fire extinguishers and make
sure that every member of the family
and your staff know where to find them
and how to use them. Having a few fire
blankets is also a good idea, as these
are handy to use if anyone’s clothes are
on fire.
4. Check that the cords of all your
electrical appliances, and extension
cords, are in a good condition and
aren’t damaged or frayed, as damaged
electrical wires could spark and set
curtains or upholstery alight. Refrain
from running extension cords under
carpets or across high traffic zones as
they can become damaged over time.
You should also make sure that the
espite climate change bringing us One only has to think of incidents where extension cords that you do use are
some welcome unseasonal rain entire homes have been gutted to able to cope with the load required by
from time to time, I keep reminding understand why it’s so essential to not the appliances that you are connecting
Dmyself that winter on the Highveld only have access to a privately-run rescue to them – any appliances that provide
is normally dry and inhospitable. With load- service, but also be well-informed and heat should only be linked to heavy
shedding an ever-present reality, we have to trained in fire-fighting and coping with duty extension cords and should be
look for lots of alternatives to keep ourselves other natural disasters oneself. disconnected after use.
warm, to keep the ‘lights on’ at night and for 5. Keep cigarette lighters, matches and
cooking. Many of the alternatives involve Here are some tips to help you improve firelighters out of reach of children at
flames – wood, anthracite, gas, paraffin and safety in your home: all times.
biofuel fires; gas stoves and ovens; pizza 1. Install smoke detectors on each level of
ovens; and candles. your home, starting with the basement, HOW TO EXTINGUISH DIFFERENT
if you have one, and put together a TYPES OF FIRE
House fires normally start as a result of either schedule so that you remember to test 1. An electrical fire. The first step for
ignorance or negligence. According to Fire them regularly to make sure that they an electrical fire is to disconnect the
Ops SA, the first responder firefighting and are all working. appliance from the power source and
rescue service that has partnered with 24/7 2. Work out a fire escape plan and make switch the power off at the DB Board.
Security Services at Fourways Gardens, sure that all members of your family Smother the fire with a fire-proof
house fires can spread out of control and staff are thoroughly briefed on blanket to remove access to oxygen.
within a matter of minutes. This is why they what to do if a fire starts. The most Only use a Class C fire extinguisher
encourage residents to respond quickly if important strategy is to get everyone that states it is suitable for putting
they discover a fire that cannot immediately quickly and safely out of the house if out electrical fires. DO NOT TRY TO
be extinguished. the fire looks like it’s out of control. EXTINGUISH THE FIRE WITH WATER.

Fourways Gardens • 30 • June 2021