SAFETY FIRE TIPS DURING QUARANTINE

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

SAFETY FIRE TIPS DURING QUARANTINE

SAFETY FIRE TIPS DURING QUARANTINE/LOCKDOWN

As coronavirus cases continue to climb up, some countries are putting their citizens on various forms of lockdown. To lessen the spread of the virus and flatten the curve, experts advised that even those who show no sign of illness should stay at home during this time of global pandemic.

Most of us will be spending more time at home, so make sure your house is as safe from fire risk as possible. Here are tips you need to consider while stuck inside during lockdown.

1. Smoking and Vaping

Are there smokers living in your home? If people are spending more time in their home, they might find themselves smoking more often.

• Check for near-misses you might not have spotted like burn marks on floors, clothing or bedding
• Check that any matches or lighters are kept out of reach of children
• Check that any e-liquids are out of reach of children

2. Candles, incense and naked flames

Spending more time at home means relaxation, and you want to make your home cozy by using incense and scented candles.

• Check that candles, incense and oil burners are held firmly in heat resistant holders
• Check that these items are out of reach of children
• Check that these items are kept away from materials that may catch fire, such as curtains, furnishings or clothes

3. Electrics

More people are working from home, schools are closed, malls and tourist spots are shut down. Children at home are using tablets and game consoles for longer. One of the causes of fires are overloaded electrical outlets.

• Check your workspace set up to ensure plugs aren’t overloaded
• Check for any loose or dangerous wiring around your home
• Check that your electrics are clean and in good working order
• Throw out any chargers that either didn't come with the device or that are not genuine replacements

4. Cooking

Restaurants are closed. Staying at home means more cooking at home. Children are at home, so you might have more distractions to deal with.

• Check for scorched tea towels or worktops in the kitchen
• Check your toaster isn't placed under kitchen cabinets or close to anything that can catch fire
• Check that your oven, hob, cooker hood and grill are clean and in good working order
• If you have a barbecue, make sure it stays outside, that it's positioned on level ground and kept well away from anything that may catch fire