Fire prevention improves among Gauteng residents
According to ADT, 92 per cent of clients who participated in an online Fire Safety and Prevention survey confirmed that they had a fire extinguisher on their property.
Clive Humphrey, MD of ADT, says that this is a vast improvement on last year’s survey results that revealed only 51 per cent owned an extinguisher.
This is the second year that ADT has conducted the survey after it appeared that most homes did not even have a basic fire prevention plan in place.
“When our officers respond to the scene of a fire, more often than not there are no smoke detectors or fire extinguishers at the premises.
“However, this year’s results indicate that there seems to be a shift towards greater fire prevention measures being put in place in homes and businesses in Gauteng, which is very encouraging,” says Humphrey.
The majority of respondents who reported not having any fire safety equipment in their homes said the reasons for not doing so were that they just hadn’t thought about it, or had been meaning to buy equipment for some time but hadn’t got around to it.
“These were the exact reasons offered by respondents on last year’s survey,” says Humphrey.
“Despite an improvement in last year’s results there is still a general apathy towards purchasing fire safety equipment with many residents thinking, ‘it’ll never happen to me’.
“Unfortunately, fires do break out as is the testimony of over 50 of our respondents. Each has a story of how a fire broke out unexpectedly in their homes or businesses. Many incidents resulted from pots of oil left on the stove, veld fires on neighbouring properties, electrical faults and so on.”
Only 33 per cent of respondents claimed to have an emergency evacuation plan in place for their families.
“The survey reveals that there are some pivotal issues that we need to address as residents and business owners,” says Humphrey.
Firstly, having emergency numbers clearly displayed near a telephone is key.
“Only 53 per cent of respondents said emergency numbers were accessible in their homes. It takes seconds for a fire to spark and engulf a house. Every second counts and numbers need to be on hand.
“Residents and business owners also need to check their premises and identify potential fire hazards. Thatched roofs, exposed electrics, flammable liquids, gas cylinders and the likes should all be considered as hazards and action taken to minimise the risk,” he says.
Linking smoke detectors to an alarm or security system should also be considered. If linked, private security companies can contact the fire department on behalf of a client while sending out personnel to assist.
“Lastly, having an evacuation plan in place is also paramount. Everyone needs to know what the quickest escape route is should a fire break out and where the fire extinguishers and blankets are.
“By taking cognisance of these tips, residents and business owners can increase their safety and diminish the damaging effects that a fire could have at their property. I urge all residents and business owners not to wait until an incident happens but to get active and fire proof their premises now,” says Humphrey.
