During this holiday season, have peace of mind knowing you have taken the below preventative or safety measures to protect and reduce the risk of house fires whether at your own home or Airbnb.
Did you know?
December is a leading month for home fires, which is largely due to the activities we engage in during the holiday season in the USA, according to the NFPA. Although no statistics are available, there is a possibility that the same applies in South Africa.
Key Tips to Protect Your Assets This Holiday Season
Switch off DB Board during load shedding or unplanned outages
Only switch DB Board back on 10 minutes after power is restored
Check for and remedy electrical issues and broken bulbs when hanging lights on the tree
Remove any heat sources in close proximity to the Christmas tree
Switch off appliances at the wall socket if not in use e.g. oven
Unplug your Christmas tree when you are not home and overnight.
Unplug non-essential appliances when leaving the house
Switch off the DB board while away on holiday (if no appliances require power while away)
Switch off appliances in the wall socket if not in use e.g., oven
Ensure stoves and ovens are cleaned after use. Grease build-up can fuel fires
Keep candles away from curtains or flammable materials
Blow out candles when no longer needed and DO NOT leave unattended or burning overnight
When having parties, remember hot ash from cigarettes and braai coals should only be removed once cooled down and put into a metal container, not plastic.
If your holiday season is during winter periods, keep flammable materials at least 1 meter away from fireplaces and heaters
Keep oven gloves, aprons, and dish cloths away from stove tops
DO NOT leave the kitchen while cooking to prevent fires and reducing risk of young children burning themselves
DO NOT overload extension leads (cords), or plugs, especially with Christmas lights
Ensure fire extinguishers at home are suitable for electrical and combustible materials such as DCP (Dry Powder)
Should fire extinguishers be available at home, ensure they are serviced annually & in the green
Switch off DB board during load shedding
Ensure off the shelf surge protector plugs are located where plugged-in devices or equipment such as refrigerators, televisions etc. are used.
If you can afford it, ensure your home is equipped with a fire extinguisher DCP, CO2 or both. Since knowing how to use them is important and which fire extinguishers are recommended for home use, please visit Elite Fire Protection’s website for the Complete Guide to Fire Extinguishers.
Karen Nieuwoudt, Compliance Director at Elite Fire Protection, leveraged her medical affairs background and her relationship with marketing managers to establish and bridge the gap in marketing for the company. Her blend of skills and collaborative leadership have helped her raise the bar in the fire protection industry. She is dedicated to fostering a culture of continuous improvement within the organization.
