FIRE SAFETY TIPS " HOMES

Cooking

1. Never leave cooking unattended as it can result in fires. Turn off the gas supply and cooking appliances whenever they are not in use.

2. Petrol, kerosene or flammable liquids should not be used to start a barbeque fire " they can flare up unexpectedly. Use solid fire-starters instead.

3. Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose nearby in case of emergencies. Never leave the barbeque unattended.

4. Charcoal should be doused with water and left to cool when cooking is done. Smouldering charcoal and embers should not be thrown into rubbish chutes/bins which may lead to rubbish fires.

Electrical Appliances

1. Never overload electrical outlets with electrical appliances. Always unplug the appliances when they are not in use.

2. Do not run wires under carpets or mats and keep them away from hot surfaces.

3. Check the condition of wires regularly. Frayed wires or cracked cords should be replaced or repaired by licensed electricians.

Housekeeping

1. Keep cooking appliances including the stove-top, cooker hoods and ovens clean and free from grease. Never store combustibles near heat sources.

2. After parties or gatherings, check for smouldering cigarette butts around and under the sofa, chair cushions and carpets.

3. Ensure that cigarettes and cigars are fully extinguished before disposal into the rubbish chutes / bins.

4. Ensure that all unwanted furniture and items which are combustible in nature are discarded properly. Do not discard them at the common areas, such as lift lobby or staircase lobby, of your residential flats. Contact your local Town Council or Management Office if you require assistance for the disposal of unwanted bulky items. If you notice discarded item/s at the common areas, please alert your local Town Councils or Management Office.

Decorations and Lightings

1. Check the decorative lighting fixtures for damage and defects before use and regularly thereafter for wear and tear. If blown bulbs and frayed wires are detected, replace them immediately with new ones.

2. Do not leave decorative lighting fixtures, including lit Christmas trees, switched-on when leaving home or when going to bed. Lighting fixtures rated for indoor use should not be used in outdoor areas.

3. Use decorative lighting fixtures which carry the SAFETY Mark. Similar to electrical appliances and accessories such as fans and adaptors, decorative lighting fixture is also a Controlled Goods under the Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Registration Scheme, which is administered by SPRING Singapore.

4. Decorations made of light tissue paper or cardboard burn easily. Do not attach them to lights or other heat sources, and always keep them away from naked flames, such as lit candles.

5. Lit candles should be placed in stable holders on a heat-resistant surface. Lit candles should also be kept away from combustibles such as Christmas trees, paper or cardboard decorations, dry foliage, curtains and furnishings.

Preventing Children from Starting Fires

1. Keep matches, lighters and candles out of children"s reach.

2. Educate children on the dangers of fires.

3. Children playing with sparklers must be supervised by parents/adults.

Handling Sparklers

1. Sparklers should be kept in a closed box and away from flames.

2. When being used, it should be lit at arm"s length and only one at a time.

3. Lighted sparklers should never be thrown at combustible materials.

4. When a sparkler goes out, do not immediately touch the hot end for it could still burn. Ideally, put the hot end in a bucket of water to fully cool it down before disposing it safely.

5. Follow the safety instructions as stated by the manufacturer. These instructions are typically found on the box housing the sparklers.

FIRE SAFETY TIPS " COMMERCIAL BUILDINGS

1. Escape passageways should be free of obstruction and fire exit doors should be kept unlocked at all times for use during emergencies.

2. It is also important to observe other fire safety requirements, including the approved occupancy load for premises (to avoid overcrowding), so as to enhance fire safety standards in buildings.

3. If you are in any public premises, ensure that you look out for the nearest exit door or staircase. Such knowledge will greatly facilitate you when you need to evacuate during an emergency.