Top 10 tips on fire safety in community schemes

27 October 2023 | Wynand Engelbrecht

Not all fires can be prevented, however there are many that can be avoided. With fire posing a greater threat in community schemes, it is extremely important for the potential causes to be understood, and the relevant prevention techniques to be put in place as far as reasonably and practically possible. 

With loadshedding becoming a daily occurrence, this adds various additional risks in relation to fires. We, at TVDM Consultants, were connected to Wynand Engelbrecht, Fire Chief from FireOps SA, who provided his top tips on how you can prevent fires in your community schemes.

Here are Wynand’s top ten tips:

1. Install smoke detectors

   Preferably on every floor and every room. It is also important that they are tested at least monthly.

2. Replace smoke detector batteries 

   This must be done at least once a year, or when they start beeping.

3. Have a fire escape plan

   It is so important to put a plan in place, and practice it regularly. Often little children have the notion to hide under beds and in cupboards when they panic or are disorientated, so it is important for parents to ensure that their children do not do this. 

4. Keep fire extinguishers in key locations

   Make sure that you keep them in strategically positioned spots, such as the kitchen and garages. Smaller size extinguishers are recommended (2 x 4,5kg dry powder instead of 1 x 9kg dry powder) for ease of handling. 

5. Learn how to use a fire extinguisher 

   Make sure you know how to use one properly, and keep it serviced as recommended. 

6. Never leave cooking unattended 

   It is vital that you do not keep flammable materials close to your stove. It has never been truer than now with load shedding.  

7. Turn pot handles inward

   It is crucial to do this on the stove to prevent accidental spills.

8. Keep a lid or a dry cloth close by 

   Or better yet have a kitchen fire blanket nearby when cooking to smother small grease fires.

9. Avoid overloading electrical outlets

   Ensure that you use surge protectors when deemed necessary. 

10. Leave no appliances on during load-shedding 

    Make sure that if you leave the house during load shedding, that you have not accidentally left appliances on. This is fast becoming a very common cause of starting fires once power is restored. 

Wynand has thirty (30) tips in total, so make sure you keep your eyes open for the next instalment. 

If you are interested in more information please contact Wynand Engelbrecht, Fire Chief of Fire Ops SA at wynand@fireopssa.co.za or you can contact TVDM Consultants should you wish to discuss how these tips can be implemented in your scheme's rules.

If you have not already done so, click here to sign up to our newsletter.