Almost 99% of all fires are caused by human negligence, specifically through electrical faults or carelessness. Cigarettes, matches and lighters, candles, heating appliances and open braai fires can all cause fires if not carefully monitored. This is even more important in cold weather, when we love to snuggle up next to a fire or a heater to stay warm.
Here are some fire safety tips so you can keep safe at home, at work, on the road or at the farm.
How to prevent fires at home
There are three main fire risk areas to consider when you’re at home. These are fireplaces and braais, heaters, and electrical appliances. Keep fire extinguishers to hand so that you can take action as soon as you see a fire starting. And if you have a thatched house, make sure you have additional protection such as fire blankets, as these houses are more vulnerable. Remember to review both your building insurance and your home contents insurance at least once a year so that you are adequately protected should a fire occur.
Fireplaces and braais:
Inspect your fireplace regularly and clean out both the fireplace and braai area. And always take the time to extinguish fires safely and dispose of any hot ash, coals, or cigarettes, once they have cooled.
- Keep flammable items away from the fire.
- Never leave a fire unattended and always keep a fire extinguisher nearby.
- Use a screen in front of the fire and ensure there is proper ventilation in the room.
Heaters
- Don’t use your heater to dry clothes.
- Keep your heater at least a metre away from furniture, your clothes, or yourself.
- Always turn off heaters and electric blankets when you leave the room or go to bed.
- Make sure you can open windows easily.
Electrical appliances
- If you work with power tools, make sure you have an open, clear, and well-ventilated area to work in.
- Ensure that your electrical appliances are correctly wired.
- Don’t overload sockets with multiple adapters.
- If you use multi-plugs, make sure they have surge protection devices fitted.
- Keep the area around your home clear of flammable materials.
Workplace fire safety should be top of mind
Risk management in the workplace should always consider fire safety. With a proper fire prevention plan in place, you can minimise the potential damage from a fire. Here’s how to go about it:
Invest in fire-detection equipment, such as fire alarms, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and heat detectors. Test them regularly.
Install a fire sprinkler system, which is one of the most reliable and cost-effective fire control methods. These must be designed according to the building’s occupancy and require annual inspections.
Train your staff on fire safety and what to do in the event of a fire, because emergency preparedness is vital. Hold regular fire drills and provide a safety manual and guidelines.
Construct fire separations and firewalls to restrict fire damage to a specific area.
Review your business insurance policy regularly to understand what you’re covered for and where you need to update.
Reduce fire risk while on the road
Your car insurance is designed to protect your money in the event of an accident. But emergency preparedness is just as important - and fire safety is part of that.
While vehicles are designed for safety, they can still catch alight. That’s why it’s often a good idea to also carry a car fire extinguisher, as recommended by the Namibian police. With our remote locations and long travel times, it’s especially important for motorists to be prepared.
Carrying a fire extinguisher is mandatory for minibus taxis and buses, but it’s also strongly encouraged for private vehicles too.
Stay fire-safe on the farm
Farms face particular fire risks. Learn to recognise the weather conditions that bring fire danger to your area: temperature, wind speed/direction and humidity levels.
Here’s what you can do to keep your farm safe:
- Use satellite-based fire information tools such AFIS, which provide real-time fire information.
- Invest in your own well-maintained firefighting equipment (such as a petrol/diesel-powered water pump).
- Create a veld fire plan that lays out how you could stay and defend your property, as well as when to leave ahead of a veld fire.
- Avoid using farm machinery on days carrying a high fire risk.
- Be extra careful when using welding, cutting and grinding equipment.
- Establish firebreaks between your land and roads or railways.
- Train your staff on firefighting techniques and safety standards for smoking, burning rubbish, etc.
If a fire breaks out:
- Sound the fire alarm if you have one.
- Call emergency services
- Exit the building as quickly as possible.
- If you are caught in a smoke-filled room, get as low as possible to the ground. You can also cover your mouth and nose with a moist cloth to reduce smoke inhalation.
Access expert guidance
Your broker is a partner in your risk management journey. From documentation to safety planning, they can help you stay compliant, well-protected, and confident in your business insurance cover. Santam offers tailored insurance cover for guesthouses, B&Bs, and the hospitality sector, with brokers who understand your challenges and can help you thrive. Find a broker online who can assist you with a no-obligation commercial business insurance quote.