Fire safety in and around your home

It's winter in South Africa and recent news coverage has underlined the fact that it is also fire season - with the potential for devastating loss of life and property due to out-of-control veld or mountain fires, especially in low-rainfall areas or parts of the Western Cape that often experience hot, dry "berg" winds.

Indeed, according to globalforestwatch.org, SA experiences almost 13 000 serious wildfire alerts a year, and loses many thousands of hectares of forest and grazing annually as a result of these events.

"However, home fires can also start for many other reasons, including lightning strikes and electrical short circuits, and while there is not much that owners can do about raging veld fires, they can take precautions against losing their homes to these other threats," says Gerhard Kotzé, MD of the RealNet national estate agency group.

"They should also be aware that any insurance cover they have for their homes and the contents in the event of fire may be invalidated unless they have clearly taken steps to eliminate hazards and limit fire damage."

For example, while smoke detectors are comparatively inexpensive and becoming more commonplace in SA, especially in new developments, they need to be cleaned regularly and the batteries need checking, preferably monthly, he says.

"The compliance certificates required for home electrical systems and electric fences are also a good idea in terms of fire prevention but again, homeowners should still put their own precautions in place, such as ensuring that the wiring in older homes is inspected regularly, that the leads for all electrical appliances are checked for damage, and that wall plugs are never overloaded with a tangle of multiplugs and extension cords.

"Other bad habits to avoid are keeping any gas cannisters used for heaters and stoves inside their homes, and leaving any paraffin lamps, lit candles or incense burners unattended, even if these are being used to deter insects or scent a room.

"Then of course if your home has a thatch roof, your fire insurance will be invalid unless there is proper lightning protection. For this reason, it's really worth contacting your individual insurance company to make sure that your home complies exactly with its specific requirements in this regard."

Meanwhile, says Kotzé, those who have a fireplace in their living room should also ensure that live coals cannot fall out and start a fire, and should regularly check flues and chimneys for cracks or other damage.

"Braai fires can also easily get out of hand, especially if they are lit close to trees or a thatch lapa, so enthusiasts should always make sure they have a garden hose close at hand, and that the braai fire is properly extinguished before they go to bed.

"And just in case the worst happens while you are cooking indoors, you should keep a working fire extinguisher in your kitchen. It could save your house - or even your life."