Page 21 - Silver Lakes August 2021

LIFESTYLE

A HEALTHY RESPECT FOR FIRE

By Josh Truter

espite climate change bringing us
some welcome unseasonal rain Invest in a fire
Dfrom time to time, I keep reminding
myself that winter on the Highveld is extinguisher
normally dry 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 if you have one, and put together a sure that every member of the family
entire homes have been gutted to schedule so that you remember to test and your staff knows where to find them
understand why it’s so essential to not them regularly to make sure that they and how to use them. Having a few fire
only have access to a privately-run rescue are all working. blankets is also a good idea, as these are
service, but also be well-informed and 2. Work out a fire escape plan and make handy to use if anyone’s clothes are on
trained in fire-fighting and coping with sure that all members of your family and fire.
other natural disasters oneself. staff are thoroughly briefed on what to 4. Check that the cords of all your electrical
do if a fire starts. The most important appliances, and extension cords, are in
Here are some tips to help you strategy is to get everyone quickly and a good condition and aren’t damaged
improve safety in your home: safely out of the house if the fire looks or frayed, as damaged electrical
1. Install smoke detectors on each level of like it’s out of control. wires could spark and set curtains or
your home, starting with the basement, 3. Invest in fire extinguishers and make upholstery alight. Refrain from running

INTRA MUROS AUGUST 2021 19