Fires can be dangerous and destructive. In order to prevent a fire at home, follow these preventative measures.
Candles and Lamps
Never leave a candle or lamp lit when going to sleep or leaving the room.
Do not leave open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, in the reach of babies.
Never put candle or lamp under or near bed.
Keep candles away from items that can catch fire e.g. book, cloth, paper, curtain etc.
Use candle holders that are sturdy.
Keep candles and open flames away from flammable liquids e.g. perfumes, hair spray etc.
Stove
Do not put oil bottles, hand towel or anything flammable on the stove.
Do not put stove near the window with a curtain.
Do not hang clothes above the stove to dry.
Ensure burners and oven are all turned off when not in use.
Don’t wear fuzzy, filmy, flammable clothing around a stove. If your clothing catches fire, do not run! Running fans the flames and increases them. Instead remember the following:
Ensure stove and kitchen is clean and not accident prone.
Always make sure that pots are in a safe position on the stove. Handles should not stick over the edge where they can be knocked over, or left within the reach of children.
Make sure pot handles are not over a hot ring or burner. Hot handles can cause accidents.
Never leave a pot unattended while cooking.
If the pot does catch fire. Do not move it and never throw water on it! Turn off the heat if it is safe to do so, cover the pan with a damp cloth or a damp tea towel and leave it to cool for at least 30 minutes.
Electrical Appliances
Unplug iron, curling iron and other electrical appliances when not in use.
Do not leave electrical appliances on bed or near items that can burn.
Do not put metal in the microwave.
Never put your phone under pillow while charging.
Matches, Lighter and Smoking
Do not play with matches or lighter.
Keep matches and lighter out of the reach of children.
For adults who smoke, inform them to: -Have ashtrays in all rooms. -Be sure their lighted matches or smokes are completely out before they discard them. -Never leave a lit cigarette unattended. -DO NOT SMOKE IN BED!
Finally, look out for wiring warning signs:
of dangerous wiring e.g. stealing electricity, appliances’ plug wires
hot plugs and sockets
lights flickering
brown scorch marks on sockets and plugs
If a fire happens call an adult or neighbor or 119/110 for the fire department.
PJ Tips 