Fire and Explosions

Cooking equipment is one of the leading causes of home fires and home fire injuries, so it's worth paying special attention to this high-risk space. 

• Please be aware of power outages and ensure that you switch your stove off at the main supply to ensure that it does not switch on again when power returns, as this can cause a fire. 
• Do not leave pots and pans on the stovetop; oil on the stove is one of the most frequent causes of fires in homes.

Smoking

Most smoking-related fires start inside homes

• Please ensure that cigarettes are thoroughly extinguished.
• Smoking must never be allowed in any home where medical oxygen is in use, because of its explosive properties.
• If you or anyone in your family smokes, please ensure that you have a fire extinguisher, which will help in an emergency. 

Appliance cords

It is important to follow safe practices with appliance cords, because when these are frayed, they can cause fires in homes.

• Replace all worn or damaged cords right away.
• Do not overload extension cords or wall sockets, and don’t position cords under furniture or rugs.
• If a light switch or electrical outlet is hot to the touch or discoloured, shut off the power from the switch-off socket and replace it before using again.

Faulty wiring

Your home's wiring may be faulty if you're constantly blowing fuses or tripping circuit breakers, your lights dim when using an appliance or you have to disconnect one appliance to get another to function.

• If these symptoms sound familiar, hire a licensed electrician to inspect your home and do any necessary repairs.
  

Grills and fire pits

Nothing beats a backyard braai, but if clients don't follow the proper safety protocols, they may find themselves facing a backyard fire instead.

• When cooking outside, you should position a grill or fire pit several feet from the house, making sure that it's safely away from trees, deck railings and other structures.
• Also, routinely clean the grill with soapy water, investigate signs of rust and corrosion and check the gas connections.
• Always have a fire extinguisher nearby whenever you're dealing with open flames outdoors.

Lightning

South Africa is a country that frequently experiences lightning. Especially from October to March, when convective storms are predominant. Lightning can damage the electronics, telephone and other systems in the house connected to an electrical outlet.

• The easiest way to protect appliances is to unplug them when you first hear the clap of thunder.
• Lightning tends to travel across the ground, so taller trees must be at a safe distance from a client’s house.
• Lightning conductors will not keep lightning from striking, but will help direct it safely away from your home if properly installed.
• In areas that are prone to lightning strikes you should invest in a lightning system installed by a professional company that takes the entire house, surrounding structures and landscaping into consideration when grounding for lightning strikes.

Veld fires

Veld fires are caused by both natural and human factors. Hunting, disposal of burning cigarette stubs or match sticks, land clearing and arson are the main causes of veld fires.

• It is important that care is taken if you live near a veld or open areas which are prone to fires. 
  • Position lawns and other low-fire risk features between houses and from where a veld fire is most likely to approach.
  • Remove dead trees, branches and also remove leaves and debris from gutters, as well as remove hanging baskets with dry or flammable materials from the building.
  • Remove trees close to the house or overhanging or touching the house.
  • Remove flammable and dry vegetation from under decks and against walls and pillars.
  • Be aware of weather conditions associated with high fire danger in your region.
  • Have a list of emergency contact details, where you can call for assistance in the event of a fire.
  • Ensure that there is sufficient water supply and/or fire extinguishers to use in the event of a fire.