Keep your home safe from fire with these expert tips
espite ongoing efforts through campaigns and revisions in building code rules, fire-related incidents in the UAE are still too high. In 2014, a staggering 240 fires were reported in Abu Dhabi in the first three months alone.
But there are ways to minimise the risks.
“Home fires can start and spread quickly, which is why we all need to be careful and educated when it comes to fire safety,” says Taha Haniya, marketing manager of NAFFCO Abu Dhabi, a fire and life safety solutions company.
In the event of a fire, smoke will spread quickly so a smoke alarm is one of the first ways to alert your family and give you time to evacuate the building. Make sure that you have a certified smoke alarm system in your kitchen, living room and bedroom – and have it checked every month.
Ramees Abdul Rahim, an estimation engineer, explains how to check if your alarm needs servicing: “After power-up has completed and the detector is functioning normally within its listed sensitivity range, the green LED blinks once every five seconds. If the detector is in need of maintenance, the red LED blinks once every five seconds. If the detector has detected fire, the red LED blinks continuously.”
Products that have an international certification like LPCB (Loss Prevention Certification Board), Kitemark or UL means your equipment is safe and meets international standards.
It is also recommended to schedule a full sprinkler system inspection annually by a professional and check your wires and cables for faulty wiring issues.
There are obviously many appliances in the kitchen that make this room more susceptible to fires. And since most fires start here, the Abu Dhabi Civil Defense has some critical advice for homeowners and tenants:
o Stay in the kitchen when cooking and using the stove
o Cook oil and grease slowly and watch it closely while it heats
o Keep oven, grills and exhaust fans clean – accumulated oil and grease are potential fire triggers
o Turn off the stove if you have to leave the kitchen even for a few minutes
o Keep clothes, aprons, rugs and potholders away from cookers and ovens
o Keep flammable material at least one metre from heat sources
In the event of a fire, a fire extinguisher and fire blanket may help put out flames. There are different types of extinguishers that are used for different types of fire. You can use the below chart to determine the type of extinguisher you’ll need.
•Class A: Paper, wood and textiles
•Class B: Flammable liquids
•Class C: Flammable gases
•Class D: Metallic fire
•Class E: Electrical fire
•Class F or K: Kitchen fire
Once you’ve got your fire safety equipment, you need to make sure it is still working. Have equipment checked and serviced at least four times a year. Fire extinguishers should be professionally checked to make sure the safety seal isn’t broken. Learn how to use the extinguisher and check the label for the expiration date so you can replace it when needed.
Safety first
Follow Taha’s safety tips to reduce the risk of fire
- Teach kids that they should never play with matches, lighters and chemicals – keep these items away from young children
- Don’t overload electrical circuits; make sure your electrical sockets are covered and electrical appliances are far from water sources
- Explain to children what to do when they hear a smoke alarm; make them aware of fire exit points and practise escape drills
Infobox
•Abu Dhabi Civil Defense adcd.gov.ae
•NAFFCO 02 690 4555 www.naffco.com
•Haven Fire & Safety 02 554 7940 www.havenfire.com
•Speed Fire & Safety Equipment 02 553 5167 www.speedsafetyuae.com
•Al Boshia Fire & Safety Equipment 02 445 8528 www.alboshiasafety.com
