- Have at least two strategically placed smoke detectors in your home. Since the goal is to have the alarm wake sleeping residents, place the devices in bedrooms and in hallways where smoke would travel. Stairways and kitchens are also good locations.
- Make and review an evacuation plan. Make sure family members and house staff are familiar with the plan, and know where to meet in case of emergency.
- Keep a fire extinguisher in your home. Regularly check the pressure gauge to ensure the extinguisher is at proper levels, and replace it if it has expired.
- Smoke outside. Civil Defence estimates that 25 per cent of fire accidents in the UAE are caused by smoking, so use sturdy ashtrays that will not tip over, ensure cigarettes are fully extinguished and never toss hot cigarette butts in the bin.
- Always store matches and lighters out of reach of children.
- Do not leave the kitchen while cooking, and keep children away from the stove. Clean cooking surfaces to prevent food and grease build-up, and keep flammable materials away from hot surfaces.
- Never overload outlets. Replace all worn, old or damaged appliance cords immediately, and keep electrical appliances away from wet floors and counters. Pay special care to electrical appliances in the bathroom and kitchen.
- Keep routes to fire exits open and cleared of clutter. Each home should have more than one exit, and windows should not have bars, so they can be used as an exit in case of emergency.
- Never barbecue in an enclosed area, and do not wear loose clothing while cooking, because it can catch fire. Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an already lit fire because the flame can flash back up into the container and explode.
* Jen Thomas