Fire Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Most people do not realize that they may have multiple fire risks present in their homes. Below are some useful tips to make you aware of the potential fire hazards lying around.
- Electric blankets
Many homeowners are unaware of the deterioration that occurs to the wiring in electric blankets due to the heating and cooling process, and when they are folded and packed away during the summer months. This results in fractures in the wiring and presents an extreme fire risk when it comes into contact with the bedding. In addition, many people load the bed with extra pillows or blankets to speed up the heating process, without realizing that this may cause the blanket to overheat and catch alight.
It is also advisable to ensure to turn the blanket off when sleeping to avoid overheating and to place the electric blanket in an open position under the mattress during summer rather than folding it away.
- Over-loaded plug points
With the number of electrical appliances in the home increasing - think laptops, iPads, coffee machines, game consoles - there are typically not enough plug points for all appliances, resulting in many consumers using multi-plug adaptors (sometimes together with additional plug adaptors for 2-prong power points). This electrical ‘nest’ presents one of the most common causes of domestic fires.
To avoid these fires, rather use a multi-plug adaptor that has individual plug isolators or one with a trip switch. However, the best solution would be for you to get an electrician to assess the home’s current wiring system and advise on the possibility of installing additional points if necessary.
- Stand-by mode for electrical appliances
Many people do not realize that an electrical current is still flowing to appliances in stand-by mode. This presents a fire risk in the event of a power surge occurring which causes damage to the transformers.
Instead of leaving appliances in stand-by mode, homeowners are advised to switch off the unit using the on/off button or at the plug point itself to mitigate the risk of these types of fires. However, it is important to note that switching a television on and off directly at the plug point will damage the transformers and could distort the picture color or clarity.
- Electrical insect repellents and room deodorizers
Due to the fact that plug-in bug repellents or room deodorizers can be an eye-sore, they are often plugged into out-of-site points and forgotten, resulting in a potential fire risk should the liquid run out, causing the device to overheat and melt into the plug point. Clients are advised on the importance of plugging devices into visible areas and unplugging them when not needed.
These above-mentioned scenarios are a common occurrence in many homes and the danger is that you may be unaware of the potential fire risks lurking in your home as you have never been informed. By ensuring you attend to some of the above you can save yourself the financial and emotional strain of a residential fire and a massive insurance claim and be seen as a proactive homeowner.
- Gas installations
An annual service and overall general inspection of the system including all gas connections, regulating, or isolating valves, especially before winter, will significantly reduce the risk of an unexpected fire!
The storage tanks should always be placed on the outside of the structure of a property that utilizes gas as a primary source for heating and cooking.
Ensure that the isolating valves are always isolated before leaving the premises or going to bed, as this will contain the fire to the outside of the building should a failure of any valves occur.
The cost of implementing the above, aside from being inexpensive and simply requiring the will to do, pales in comparison to the inconvenience you will have to endure, even if you are sufficiently insured.
Vaal Triangle Insurance
(Source: Echelon)
Provided by Vaal Triangle Insurance
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