Fire is a common disaster that can occur at any time and at any place and usually results to immense damage on property and threat to human lives. Fire safety is important for homes and business in Singapore and having the proper preventive and response measures in place is important. This article explains several points about fire dangers and fire precautions that the homeowners and business people in Singapore should know about.
Residential Fire Safety Tips
1. Smoke detectors – Smoke detectors are the first safety devices that are installed because they are able to identify a fire at its early stages, thus providing occupants with warning. To ensure its proper working, test detectors monthly, while batteries have to be replaced annually. Put them on each floor, including bedrooms, living room and kitchen area.
2. -Fire extinguishers: Organise ABC type that can work on paper, wood, liquid, and electrical fires. This should be done in the kitchen, bedrooms, and the rest of the house. Explain how this equipment can be used to the members of the family.
3. Studying and practicing – Develop two exit routes from each and every room and rehearse it with your family members. Because of safety concerns, set up an outdoor rendezvous point to ensure the safety of everybody.
4. No overloading sockets- do not overload sockets in a bid to avoid short circuit and sparks. Utilize the good quality wires and appliances that would sustain the environment and have long lasting usage.
5. Kitchen safety tips – it is known that the most common cases of fire occurrence are registered in the kitchen. Do not leave cooking food for a long time unattended. One should avoid placing flammable materials in contact with burners and should turn off appliances when not in use.
6. Remove PFCs and HCFCs – Get rid of old appliances that are inefficient, non-functional, or have a tendency to overheat. Another aspect is to inspect wires for signs of usage or damage.
7. Never smoke in bed or when half-asleep or unconscious- Never smoke while in bed or when you are tired. Supply the huge non-tip ashtrays so that the cigarettes are put off properly to avoid accidental fires.
Basic Fire Precautions for Commercial Premises
1. Fire protection installations – The smoke, heat detectors, alarm systems, control panels, etc. should have complete coverage. It is advisable to test them occasionally and if necessary replace them. The system should be interconnected with monitoring services.
2. Fire fighting equipment – Ensure that you have an efficient sprinkler system to cover all commercial space, basements, store rooms, etc and should be checked frequently.
3. Exit signs and illumination – This is lighting that is installed in the corridors, fire exits, and steps and is activated during a power failure.
4. Ensure that all exits are well lit – This is a no brainer as all exits and escape routes should be identified with clear markings. Emergency exit signs should always be visible and especially if there is a power outage.
5. Perform fire evacuation exercises – It is advised that fire evacuation exercises should be performed at certain intervals of time, in order to ensure that everyone is aware of the right procedures to follow as well as which ways to take in the course of evacuating from the building.
6. ABC extinguishers for every fifteen meters – It is required to place sufficient ABC extinguishers in the premises such that the distance between them should not exceed fifteen meters at any cost.
7. Flammables kept secure – Ensure the chemicals, oils and other flammables are strictly stored in different storage areas that are not close to heating sources and well ventilated.
8. No blocking emergency exits – Fire exits, escapes, and related facilities and equipment must remain free from obstruction.
9. Certification – Companies which experience higher levels of fire risk should be certified by the Singapore Civil Defence Force, which offers professional consultation.
The Relevance of Fire Extinguishers
Fire extinguishers are one of the most important fire fighting tools used for both homes and commercial activities. They enable fires to be put out in the embryonic stage, before they expand and become difficult to control. It will be helpful if the right type of extinguisher is in the right place and can help suppress the fires. The extinguishers to be used in Singapore should be the approved types which depend on the types of fires that may occur.
It is also crucial to train people on how to use extinguishers for purposes of preventing accidents. They should be targeting at the bottom of the fire and not the fire flames, more so should move low and aim at using the PASS approach of Pulling the pin, Aiming at the fire, Squeezing the trigger of the hose and Sweeping the fire with water. One should also back away if the fire increases or it moves further. Trying to put out fires that are spreading on a large scale can actually cost lives.
However alarms alert people to fire while sprinkler systems control the fire automatically, portable fire extinguishers in the hands of trained people are the initial resources in handling small fire outbreaks. It offers the needed time that people can use to escape or even the time that emergency services require to reach the scene. Ensuring the correct types of fire extinguishers are used and in place, as well as ensuring that people know how to use them remains a critical fire safety feature.
Conclusion
Fires occur in Singapore and they result in the loss of lives and property every year. However, the majority of these can be avoided through appropriate practicing fire precaution measures. Home owners and businesses have the responsibility and need to take fire precautions through having detection systems and suppression equipment such as extinguishers. They should also inform occupants of plans and standard procedures. Applying important recommendations regarding the usage of electricity, behavior in a kitchen, storage of the flammable materials and fake drills can increase fire safety significantly. This shows that prevention is better than cure when it comes to fire hazards as losing a life is unforgivable and ought not to happen to anyone.
