by Joy Solomon

Created on: May 13, 2008

Fire safety at home is very important indeed and every families should consider the various fire safety tips available.

Some of the common causes of fire in the homes are:

In the kitchen:

-A frying pan with oil or fat unattended on the burner flames up,setting the curtains hanging near the stove on fire.
-A toaster is left unattended or forgotten for several minutes.The toast does not pop up,starts to burn and flames set fire to nearby items.

-An iron is left switched on standing on the iron board.The iron is suddenly disturbed by someone in the house and eventually falls-burning through fabric or flooring.
-Household cleaners/chemicals are left in an unlocked cupboard or not properly stored.Children mix them together thus causing a fire explosion.
-A lighted kerosene stove not place in a proper or safe place is accidentally knocked over by a child or an adult.

Lounge or dining room
-During a family party a cigarette butt slips under a cushion.It smoulders burst into flames after the host have gone to bed.
-Too many electrical appliances are run on one wall socket.Wiring has deteriorated or someone has put too heavy fuse wire in the fuses.Results-overheating and fire.

In the bedroom:
-Someone smoking in bed falls asleep.The cigarettes tumbles onto the bed clothes and smolders until fire starts.
-A lighted mosquito coils is left in place where it could touch onto a piece of clothing or newspaper and start a fire.

Flammability of household furnishing:

The polyurethane foams in most modern upholstery burn faster than the old fashioned types of fillings.Such fires can take hold and begin to burn extremely fiercely in-seconds,giving off toxic fumes.You may have less than two minutes to evacuate the house.Cotton ,linen and rayon are also hazardous covering for smoldering fires.

Curtains hanging freely with air all around them can burn very quickly.

Outside or in the garden shed:
-Care must be taken to keep chemicals properly locked away.
-If you are burning rubbish in your yard put out the fire completely before you leave.
-If you are storing kerosene or benzene in your garage or garden shed,ensure they are prominently marked and perfectly stored in an enclosed place.

Ensure flammable and poisonous liquid are never stored in bottles or containers which may be mistakenly picked up and accidentally consumed by members of the household.Have all containers clearly marked.

What to do in the event of fire:
Warn everyone and get them out of the building
Call the fire brigade.Give your name and address clearly.Don't panic.
Only if it is safe try and put out the fire.Make sure you are between the fire and exit.

If caught in fire breathing may be difficult once the fire spreads,especially if household members have been asleep.

The real killers are not the flames themselves but the smoke,heat and gases which choke you.

Put a handkerchief or damp cloth to act as a filter.If the fire is not intense get out of it by crawling or keeping low to the floor.Hot air and fumes rise;so the clearest air will just above the floor level.Make sure you also alert your neighbors.

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