Handy hints for regular fire-safety checks in the home
 | Press release: Handy hints for regular fire-safety checks in the home | 30 KB | Download |
 Preview | Michael van Niekerk CEO of ASP Fire | 2.62 MB | Download |
 Preview | Major causes of fires in the home are faulty electrical outlets and old or outdated appliances | 1.8 MB | Download |
 Preview | Home owners often wire these electrical connections themselves | 1.72 MB | Download |
 Preview | Fire-safety checks are essential to eliminate or reduce the risk of fire breaking out in a home | 1.05 MB | Download |
Fire-safety checks are essential to eliminate or reduce the risk of fire breaking out in a home. This comprises an on-site assessment in the home environment in order to establish where the risks are, and then to develop and implement specific fire-safety solutions.
“The biggest concern for home owners is the misperception that it is never going to happen to me. Due to this erroneous belief, many home owners are not educated when it comes to fire safety,” van Niekerk comments.
“Major causes of fires in the home are faulty electrical outlets and old or outdated appliances, as well as worn-out sockets that are not grounded properly, and which can then ignite combustible items such as floors, curtains, and rugs. And home owners often wire these electrical connections themselves,” van Niekerk cautions.
Electrical appliances used for heating, cooking and lighting are also major contributors to home fires. Therefore it is important to check regularly if all of these connections are still sound. Simple preventative measures include not overloading extension cables and plugs, not switching electrical appliances on a single plug all on at once, testing earth leakage devices, and checking that plugs and wall sockets are safe and not overloaded.
Other handy fire-prevention measures for the home include investing in a fire extinguisher and fire blankets and installing smoke detectors throughout a residence, including external areas such as garages and servants’ quarters. It is important that such smoke detectors are, in turn, connected to a house’s alarm system.
Van Niekerk also advises home owners to compile an emergency evacuation plan for all occupants of the home, including children and domestic staff. In order to ensure that this plan is executed properly in the event of a fire emergency, home owners need to conduct fire drills on a regular basis. Bear in mind, too, that children must know what to do if the adults are overcome by smoke and cannot assist them.
“Smoke inhalation is the biggest risk factor in the case of a fire breaking out. Therefore it is vital that all residents know what the easiest escape route is and where the nearest exit is located. Prompt evacuation is critical in such an emergency, which is why regular fire drills are needed to inculcate the proper behaviour in all inhabitants of a home,” van Niekerk stresses.
As an accredited fire-risk management and support provider, ASP Fire provides a holistic, proactive and preventative total solutions approach to fire safety. The consultancy designs integrated fire-risk assessments, as well as providing training and advice on the installation and maintenance of fire detection and suppression systems that meet all necessary regulations and standards.
“We provide fire risk consulting and rational design, as well as fire suppression and detection solutions for both home and industrial markets. We do not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach. Our solutions are specifically customised and tailored according to every client’s requirements,” van Niekerk concludes.
Ends
Notes to the editor
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About ASP Fire
ASP Fire operates across the entire African continent from its Gauteng base, providing professional, accredited fire-risk management and support to its clients. It designs, installs and maintains a full range of fire detection and suppression equipment suited to its customers’ specific needs. It provides holistic, proactive and preventative fire solutions based on integrated fire risk assessment, training and consulting, along with the installation and maintenance of fire detection and suppression systems that meet SABS, NFPA, FPASA, FDIA and SAQCC standards.
ASP Fire Contact Details
Michael van Niekerk
CEO
Phone: (011) 452 2169
Cell:
Email:
Web: www.aspfire.co.za
Media Contact
Nomvelo Buthelezi
NGAGE Public Relations
Phone: (011) 867 7763
Fax: 086 512 3352
Cell: 083 408 8911
Email: nomvelo [at] ngage [dot] co [dot] za
Web: www.ngage.co.za
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