Share This Article
By: Youlon Naidoo, Head of Claims and Procurement at MiWay Insurance
The cold chilly days bring with them an uptick in the use of heaters, fireplaces and electric blankets, as South Africans seek refuge from the winter cold. This increased use of heating sources to warm up our homes brings with it an increased fire risk, further amplified by regular load shedding intervals, neither of which can be avoided.
Coming home to an already heated room or jumping out of bed all warmed up may sound like a great idea but leaving your heater unattended comes with its own fiery kickback. As such, it’s important to be prepared in the event of fire, but also that you take the adequate preventive measures to avoid potentially devastating accidents. The winter season is synonymous with emergency responders having to attend to many incidents of fire and burn-injuries; make safety a priority and don’t be a victim!
Whether you’re curling up in front of the fire or relying on electric or gas heaters to ward off the winter chill this season, here are a few handy tips to help reduce your risk:
DIY Firefighting
They say prevention is better than the cure, but accidents have a way of happening when you least expect it. As such, it’s best to be armed with the tools you need to mitigate the impact of any fire-related incidents and ensure peace of mind. A working fire extinguisher is a must-have in every household and can be a lifesaver in the event of an electric short circuit or a rogue spark, spelling the difference between a small flame and a raging inferno.
However, being fire-ready entails more than simply owning an at-home firefighting device. Not only is it important that you and all members of your family know how to use it in the event of an emergency, but it’s also vital that you keep your fire extinguisher in optimal working order and checked by a registered technician annually.
Your insurer may not require a fire extinguisher to be in place for you to enjoy household cover, but it will certainly come in handy should the sparks fly – it’s always good to have one around, in any home.
Make sure your fireplace is a safe space
There’s nothing more comforting than the glow of a roaring fire when the thermometer drops, but there are a few critical safety measures to take into account if you want to enjoy a cosy night in peace. First of all, it’s vital that you ensure that your fireplace is equipped with a protective screen, which acts as a barrier in the event of flying sparks, which can quickly ignite carpets or curtains. It’s also best not to use your fireplace for more than five hours at a time so as to prevent overheating, and to avoid attempting to handle burning logs or coals with your bare hands.
Handle your heaters safely
Whilst heaters might appear innocuous, they can also represent a high fire risk due to the amount of heat generated. As such, whether you’re using an electric or gas heater, make sure to keep it at least one metre away from any flammable materials, particularly furniture and curtains. If you’re using a gas heater, try to leave a window or door slightly ajar so as to prevent the possibility of carbon monoxide build-up. If you’re relying on an electrically operated heater, make sure that it is turned off before heading to bed, and, in the event of load shedding or an unexpected power outage, ensure that the power supply is switched off. Remember, no matter what kind of heater you’re using, it’s best not to move it whilst hot – instead switch off the device and allow some time to cool before relocating it.
Manage your power cuts, candles and paraffin
As a result of intermittent load shedding, many South Africans have turned to paraffin heaters or candles to provide both light and heat when the power cuts. Paraffin is a relatively volatile substance and heaters using it as a power source should be handled with extreme care and never be left unattended. When filling the device, make sure to use high-grade fuel and to do so outside, away from children, and only when the stove or heater has cooled. It’s also advisable to ensure the stove heater is placed on level ground away from any thoroughfares so as to prevent it from being knocked over.
If you’re using candles to keep the dark at bay, make sure to keep them in sturdy, non-combustible holders, far from curtains, fabric or any other flammable materials. Always use extreme care when moving candles, as dripping wax can cause unnecessary burns. Also ensure that candles are properly extinguished before heading to bed.
Fan your al fresco fires the right way
Fire pits are becoming increasingly popular across the country, but given their increased susceptibility to wind and other elements, they should be used and positioned with extreme care. If you’re looking to fire things up outdoors, make sure your firepit is surrounded by non-combustible materials like brick or sand, and try to avoid using flimsy, plastic chairs, which represent a greater fire hazard. It’s also best to avoid positioning your fire pit near trees or any overhanging thatch, and to keep a hose nearby to quickly extinguish any stray burning embers.
Raising the alarm
Whilst smoke detectors aren’t mandatory, they can go a long way towards preventing potentially devastating fires, offering an advanced warning system which will allow you to act before things get out of control. Widely available in hardware and homeware stores, these handy devices can prove fundamental in the event of an unexpected blaze, with some models even offering built-in spray systems designed to suppress rogue flames. When it comes to fire, time is of the absolute essence, so buying yourself a few extra minutes to alert emergency services and extinguish a flare-up, can prove priceless.
No matter how you’re planning to heat things up this season, it’s always best to be prepared. By taking the necessary precautions and ensuring you’re equipped with the tools to confront any possible flare-ups, you’ll be able to enjoy this winter, your way.