Page 4 - FWG_Issue 5_June_2022

Security

FIRE SAFETY FOR THE HOME

When temperatures plummet in winter, most people
light a cosy fire or snuggle up to a heater to keep

warm. All of these heating efforts increase the risk
of fires in the home. 24/7 Security Services urges
everybody to be alert and to make sure everyone in

your household is aware of the dangers of fire.

ONLY WORKING SMOKE ALARMS SAVE LIVES! AROUND THE HOUSE
Smoke alarms are essential for home fire safety – they provide an Bedroom: Electric blankets, smoking in bed, space heaters, and
early warning in the event of a fire and give you a chance to get out overloaded wall sockets are all hazards in the bedroom. If you
of the house to a safe location. smoke, do it outside. Only use electric blankets with automatic shut-
off functions.
Install smoke alarms just outside the sleeping areas of your home
so that the alarm sounds before the smoke reaches anyone asleep. Living Room: If you have a fireplace, your living room may be a hot
For extra protection, you can install a smoke alarm in your child’s spot for fire hazards. Keep the fireplace clean and clear of debris or
bedroom and in the bedrooms of people who sleep with their doors flammable items. Use fire-safe tools like iron pokers to move around
closed. If someone in your household is deaf or hard of hearing, any logs. Turn off portable heaters, and gas and electric fires before
consider installing an alarm that combines flashing lights, vibration retiring for the night.
and sound.
Laundry: It may seem like an odd place for fire hazards until you
Keep smoke alarms in working order: remember that dryer lint is flammable. When it comes to common
• Change alarm batteries once a year, at the same time each year. areas in your home for fires to start, the laundry room is high risk.
• Test your alarm every month by pressing the test button and High-powered appliances can overheat, especially if the vents are
listening for the beep. not cleared out regularly.
• Keep your alarm dust-free – and clean it regularly.
• Replace smoke alarms every ten years. Kitchen: Keep a fire blanket and suitable fire extinguisher in the
kitchen. A fire blanket can smother flames
either on a person or a stove. Never leave
NEVER LEAVE BURNING CANDLES UNATTENDED the kitchen unattended when frying, grilling
Keep a flashlight and batteries on hand for emergencies to prevent the need to use or boiling food. Keep all combustibles,
including oven mitts, wooden utensils, food
candles for emergency lighting during power outages.
packaging, towels, potholders and curtains,
away from hot surfaces. Avoid overloading
If you do burn candles, always: electrical outlets with too many kitchen
• Use sturdy holders. appliances and ensure electrical cords are
• Keep candles away from children and pets. not cracked or damaged.
• Burn candles on even surfaces.
• Keep candles away from upholstery or window coverings.
• Extinguish candles before leaving the room.
WHAT TO DO IN THE
EVENT OF A FIRE:
Officer of the Month
• Crawl low where there is smoke.

• Never open a door that is hot to
Our officer of the month is Athenkosi Klawushe. the touch.
• Wake everybody in the house.
When searching an Uber vehicle, Security Officer
Athenkosi Klawushe found a large panga (knife) and the • If your clothing catches fire -
Uber driver failed to explain why he was driving with STOP, DROP, ROLL.
such a weapon. With the intent of the driver carrying
such a weapon unknown, the officer's act is seen as • Have a safe place to meet
courageous and he quite likely saved the resident's life. outside, away from the house.
• Never re-enter the house for
pets or personal belongings.

Fourways Gardens • 2 • June 2022