What to do when fire breaks out

It is hard to forget the chilling story of a mother and her four children whose lives were cut short by a fire at a village in Nyeri. Such events have led many to wonder whether the country is able to handle disasters. But what is more alarming is how unprepared most Kenyans are in the event of such an emergency.

According to Kenya National Disaster Operational Centre (NDOC), there have been 110 fire incidents and destruction of 5,376 homes by March this year. This number has increased from the 70 that were recorded last year.

According to NDOC, the fires ravaged forests, homes of individuals and slum dwellings. According to the Kenya Red Cross Society, there have been 26 fires mainly in the slum areas in Nairobi. This figure could be higher as most fires are not reported to the authorities.

According the Red Cross, this problem is compounded by the fact that most places prone to fires are inaccessible, making it difficult to handle the problem when it occurs. Slum areas have insufficient supply of water and most of the roads in the areas are impassable.

Causes
Fires can breakout anywhere but it appears most fires take place in slum areas. ‘Because of poverty, most of these areas have illegal power connections that could trigger fires at any time. A lot of efforts have been made to curb this menace but it still thrives: says the Red Cross.

According to the 2009 census, five million people live in Nairobi City, half of them in the slums. This poses a challenge to resources because although the City Council has 96 firefighters and eight fire engines, only three engines are available during emergencies.

Other agencies like Groupz, Securicor (G4S) and KK Security have to fill the gap by responding to alarmed citizens but only at a guaranteed fee. With these kinds of odds, the best bet is prevention.

Prevention
Accidents are inevitable, especially at home and the best thing is to be prepared to handle them. A home needs to be secured to ensure that kids are safe from danger.

Studies indicate that most household fires are triggered by incorrect fitting of electrical devices.

Steps to ensure safety in your house:

1. Cords and plugs – ensure there are no untied cords or plugs. Avoid overloading plugs with household appliances like the computer, television or stereo. Avoid excess use of the extension cords.
2. Electrical appliances – always make sure all electrical appliances are working properly. Unplug all electronic appliances not in use or put them off.
3. Inspect – take time to check your home regularly and report any electrical faults to the relevant authorities. Check your lighting to ensure the bulbs have proper wattage.
4. Repair – fix any damaged electrical device, especially if they smell odd, overheat or spark. But avoid fixing electrical faults on your own, especially if you do not have the expertise to do so.
5. Seal- cover any unused sockets to protect kids from playing with them.
6. Caution – be extra careful when using electrical blankets. Avoid putting electrical wires under rugs or carpets. Keep night-lights or lamps away from bedding, drapery or any fabric.
7. Supervise- keep an eye on kids at all times, making sure they do not use any appliances in the kitchen unsupervised.

Take action
‘Keep your home safe by acquiring basic skills to handle a fire outbreak,’ advises George Kirubi, an Emergency Medical Trainer at AAR Emergency Rescue Services.

These include:

• Smoke detectors – follow guidelines from the manufacturers and make sure you inspect them frequently. Change the batteries often to ensure they are working.
• Fire extinguishers – buy one for your home and show your family how to use it in case of an emergency.
• Inspect – check for fire hazards around your home and leave nothing to chance. Keep all dangerous items like lighters or matchboxes locked away from the reach of children.
• Posters – hang guidelines on the steps one should take if fire breaks out next to the fire extinguisher or exit door.
• Know signs – teach everyone how to detect fire smelling smoke, flames or loud hisses.
• Practice- it is imperative to teach fire safety to kids. Engage the entire family in a fire drill to teach them how to react in case of an outbreak.
• Act fast – the best way to handle fire is by acting quickly. If you have a fire alarm, it is important to switch it on. Alert the fire department and get out of the place where the fire is as fast as possible.
• Don’t assume – not all fires can be fought with a fire extinguisher. It is important to know the nature of the fire to know how to handle it. Sometimes one may make matters worse by using an incorrect method or apparatus.
• Use candles wisely – ensure they are supported well by a candle holder to avoid falling. Keep them away from drapery or anything flammable. Always remember to blow them out before sleeping.
• Kitchen – most fires start in the kitchen; so keep all kitchen towels or oven mitts away from the cooker as they can catch fire easily. Check your surrounding while cooking to safeguard against any fires.
• Do not burn – avoid burning waste near your home or fence as it may lead to a huge fire.
• Exit route – establish a way out in case of an emergency. Teach everyone how to exit in time as safety is paramount. Avoid putting heavy burglars on your windows as it may hinder people from escaping in case of a fire.
• Evacuate – it is critical to get everyone to a safe place immediately if there is a fire outbreak. You can get hurt when dealing with the fire. The first cause of action should always be safety, especially if the fire has-spread.

George concludes, ‘When it comes to accidental fires, prevention and staying safe is paramount. It may sound simple or the obvious thing to do but it means the difference between life and death.’

END: BL 43/48-49