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Seven measures UAE residents can take in case of a fire

Dubai - Prevention is better than cure so to speak.

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After the fire that erupted at Torch Tower skyscraper in Dubai Marina, the question of fire safety is again brought to the forefront. Time and again, authorities have advised residents to take preventive measures to keep their houses safe from fire.
According to a recent survey, more than 70 per cent of deaths from fire accidents were caused by suffocation, according to a report by Dubai Civil Defence.
Major-General Thani Al Matroushi, Director-General of Dubai Civil Defence, said that the main reason of home fires, according to studies, is lack of preventive awareness which leads to carelessness. Poor safety infrastructure, especially in older buildings, like exhausted electrical network, damaged electric appliances, wrecked gas pipeline systems also cause house fires, in addition to unlicensed constructional modifications and lack of control of ignition sources.
In order to keep you safe from harm, here are six things you can do to keep yourself fireproof. (From KT archives).

Don't leave cooking unattended

One of the most potentially dangerous rooms in the house for fires is the kitchen. Therefore, tenants should never leave food boiling or frying on the stove unattended. Always ensure you have a working fire alarm and fire extinguisher in this area too.

Fires that broke out around UAE April 2, 2017: A fire erupted in Fountain Views near Dubai Mall. Three workers were rescued from the blaze and given medical attention. March 4,2017: A massive blaze consumed Dubai's Lamcy Plaza. The fire started from one of the AC fans. January 14, 2017: Forty-five residents including employees of the Welcome Hotel Apartment in Deira were evacuated when a fire erupted in the restaurant in the lower levels of the hotel. August 30, 2016: Thirteen people, including 10 firefighters, suffer from mild suffocation in a fire that broke out in two buildings in Abu Dhabi's Zahia area July 20, 2016: Sulafa Tower in Dubai Marina catches fire, hundreds of people are evacuatedMarch 28, 2016: 300 residents homeless as fire guts two Ajman towers January 28, 2016: A fire breaks out at Diamond 4 Tower in Dubai Marina. No casualties reported October 1, 2015: Massive fire guts all 24 residential floors of Al Naser Tower located on King Faisal Road, Sharjah, leaving 250 families homeless July 22, 2015: Nine people, including children, elderly and women, suffer from suffocation after a massive fire guts Lamya Tower in Al Khan, Sharjah

Be extremely careful with candles

Any naked flames such as lit candles pose a great risk of fire so extra care is needed. If in doubt, simply don't use them.

Never disable alarms

No matter how sensitive or 'annoying' the fire alarms in your property may be, never disable them as you are posing a danger to yourself and others.

Beware of electrical appliances

You may not think it, but any electrical device - whether it is an iron, a lamp, or even a phone charger - can become a serious threat. Safety experts urge people to replace all worn, old, or damaged appliance cords, and three-prong plugs should only ever be plugged in three-slot outlets and two-slot plugs into two-slot outlets. Always buy electrical products evaluated by the Emirates Authority for Standardisation and Metrology.

Smokers and BBQ lovers: step outside!

Smokers are strongly advised to always smoke outdoors. And cigarette butts should never be thrown away, but be properly snuffed out by using sand or water. Also avoid using barbeque and charcoal cookers in confined spaces - only use designated outdoor areas. This includes not barbecuing on balconies as this is strictly forbidden in all building towers.

Check the duct work

Faulty equipment in areas such as the laundry room can lead to blazes. The duct work, for example, should be made of hard metal rather than plastic as a plastic duct is prone to melt or ignite. Furthermore, the duct should vent outdoors rather than indoors and never to a room inside the house.

Be prepared for a fire

If a fire does break out, officials say it is essential to be prepared. Although all buildings should have an emergency plan and equipment, unfortunately not enough residents study them in detail. Try to plan an escape route from every room in your property, especially the bedrooms as this is where you are most likely to be caught unawares.
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