Home Fire Safety
PREFACE
Hong Kong is a very densely populated city with buildings closely packed together.
When a fire starts, it can spread easily and quickly, thus causing great disasters.
Though we have a well-trained fire brigade which is equipped with modern fire
service installations and equipment to help minimizing the loss of lives and property,
every year there are still numerous fire accidents caused by people in their homes
through carelessness or ignorance of basic fire safety precautions. These fires often
ruin homes and bring about tragic loss of family members and property.
In order to safeguard our lives and property, we must be alert to all possibilities of fire
hazards and take preventive measures to make our home safe and happy.
FIRE PRECAUTION IN THE HOME
The following paragraphs describe in detail the steps that you can take to protect your
home from fire in areas including living home, kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, corridor,
staircase, roof, etc.; and all items which may cause fire hazards. You can protect
your home and property from fire only if you comply with these preventive measures.
LIVING ROOM
You must pay special attention to the fittings and furniture such as curtains
upholstered furniture and electrical appliances placed in the living room.
Foam rubber or fabric-mounted furniture
Ashtray should be used while smoking on a sofa or a chair. Do not leave cigarette
butt on the sofa or the chair. You should pay special attention to foam rubber or
fabric-mounted sofas or chairs because they can be easily ignited by a lighted
cigarette butt, thus causing a fire and giving out toxic gases and smoke.
Matches and Lighters
Keep matches and cigarette lighters out of the reach of children.
Ashtrays
Ashtrays must be big enough, properly shaped to prevent cigarettes from rolling off to
the ground or other combustible materials to cause a fire. Lighted smoking materials
must always be properly extinguished before disposal.
TV and Radio
Allow sufficient space behind your TV set and do not block the ventilation openings
to prevent internal heat build-up. It makes good sense to totally disconnect the TV
set from the electrical outlet when not in use.
Air-conditioner
Before installing an air-conditioner, examine its electrical rating to ensure it will not
overload an existing circuit. A clogged filter will result in an overloaded motor.
Make sure therefore that your air-conditioner is regularly maintained and cleaned.
Electrical appliances and electric circuit
Choose certified electrical appliances. Pay attention to electric circuits and circuit
protection. Avoid overloading electrical circuits and plugging more than one adapter
into the same socket. Also, never connect too many plugs to the same socket.
Don’t use sockets with cracks, signs of overheating (e.g. discolouration, being burnt
black or distortion) or loosening.
If a fuse blows or a circuit breaker trips, there may be too many appliances operating
on that one circuit. If no appliances are operating and a fuse blows or a circuit
breaker trips, there is likely to be a fault in the wiring, which should be investigated
without delay by a qualified electrician.
Electric wiring
Extension cords and the cords of lamps and appliances should not be abused. Avoid
locating them where they will be subject to foot traffic or the weight of furniture.
Do not run them under rugs and carpets. Always handle power points, switches and
plugs with dry hands. Make a habit of checking all the installations regularly, or
having them checked at least once a year.
Lighting facilities
Inspect fixed electrical lighting installations regularly to ensure that they are fault-free
and in working order. If abnormal conditions are noted in any lighting installation,
such as overheating, blinking, unsteady glaring, etc., switch it off and call a registered
electrical worker to inspect it. Lighting installations not in use should be switched
off; while those in use should be kept away from flammable materials and heat should
be allowed to dissipate.
Fish tanks
Water pumps and filters inside the fishbowls should be cleaned regularly to prevent
fire caused by overheating or short-circuit.
KITCHEN
The kitchen is the place to store fuel, matches and cooking oil. The comparatively
large number of gas and electrical appliances installed and combustible substances
stored in the kitchen make it more accident-prone than other places in the home.
Therefore, you must be more alert when you are working in the kitchen so as to
prevent fire and safeguard the lives of your family members.
Around the stove
Make sure that the stove is kept clear of odds and ends such as waste papers and other
combustibles. The stove should be regularly cleaned to prevent grease from
accumulating.
Fuel
Store cooking fuel such as liquefied petroleum gas and kerosene (not more than one
container at any time) will away from the stove and sources of heat. Never fill a
kerosene stove or heater when it is alight. Kerosene must be stored in metal
containers, tightly closed.
Cooking
Take care when cooking. Beware of burning and boiling over. Do not leave your
cooking unattended, especially for pans of fat or cooking oil. Check and clean all
your stoves frequently.
Gas appliances
Installation should be carried out by qualified technicians. Make sure that the area is
well ventilated. If you suspect a gas leak:-
Extinguish all naked flames.
Do not use the telephone or operate any electrical switches.
Open all windows and doors wide to disperse the gas.
Do not touch the gas appliances in case you accidentally operate the ignition
switch. Instead, turn off the gas supply at the pressure regular switch.
Disconnect the regular from the cylinder if possible.
If the gas leak is serious, or if you are unsure for any reason, leave the premises
at once and notify your neighbours to evacuate, but do not press any doorbells.
Leave the building by the stairs, dial 999 and notify the Fire Services Department,
and call your gas supply company’s emergency number.
Do not re-connect the gas cylinder until all necessary steps have been taken to
prevent gas from escaping again.
Your gas installation, including gas cylinder and appliances, shall not used again
until it has been checked for safety by your gas supply company.
Refrigerator
The principal fire hazard lies in allowing a heavy build-up of dust and lint to
accumulate over the motor, compressor, fan and coils. Such a condition results in
overloading and possible breakdown, with fire possibly spreading to foamed plastic
insulation within the unit walls and other plastic components. Unplug the
refrigerator and get rid of the dust from the motor compressor area at regular intervals.
Older refrigerators which exhaust air towards the rear should be spaced away from the
wall to allow for unrestricted flow of air.
Ironing
The overheating of left-on-and-forgotten irons would often set scorched clothes on
fire and thus becomes dangerous, especially if the ironing board is made of wood and
covered with a cloth.
Aerosol Sprays
The aerosol spray is packed in a pressurised container that may explode if exposed to
excessive heat.
Do not use excessive amounts of pesticide
Do not spray near naked flame or other ignited sources
Do not place aerosol sprays in direct sunlight or near any heat source
Always keep aerosol sprays in a cool dry place
BURNING JOSS STICKS AND JOSS PAPERS
Joss sticks and papers should be burnt inside a metal container, clear of combustibles
such as waste papers and carton boxes. All ashes must be extinguished thoroughly
before disposal.
BEDROOMS
The majority of home-fire deaths occur in bedrooms. Most fires happen at night
after the family has gone to bed. Sometimes people are trapped and burned to death,
but most deaths occur from asphyxiation by smoke or gases. As furniture, clothing,
curtain and bed cover inside bedrooms are all combustibles, fire precautions in
bedrooms should not be ignored.
Cigarette butts
Never smoke in bed. Mattresses could be set on fire by a lighted cigarette.
Extinguish your cigarette butts thoroughly before disposing them in the ashtray.
Heater
Never place the heater too close to beds, settees or chairs. Do not dry your clothes
on top of the heater. Make sure that the heater is placed properly and would not be
knocked down easily.
CHECK AROUND BEFORE GOING TO BED
Close the kitchen, living room and bedroom doors. This will prevent fire from
spreading if it breaks out while you are sleeping.
Make sure that all gas appliances and kerosene stoves are switched off and
cigarettes extinguished.
Make sure that all electrical appliances such as radios, televisions and portable
heaters are either switched off or unplugged.
ROOFS
Make sure that the roof exit doors could be opened readily and conveniently, from
inside without the use of a key.
Keep roofs clear of all obstructions. They may serve as a temporary refuge area in
case of fire.
PROTECTECED LOBBIES
Self-closing doors of protected lobbies must be kept closed at all times.
STAIRCASE
Keep the staircase free of obstruction. Remember that the staircase is the important
means of escape in case of fire.
LIFTS
Do not use the lift if it is suspected that there is a fire in the building.
DOORS AND GATES
Gates used should be of the sliding type in order not to obstruct the common corridor,
balcony or staircase when opened.
DECORATION
During decoration period, handle paint, thinner or other flammable liquids with care,
especially when handling flammable liquids with high volatility.
Don’t store flammable goods such as petrol, kerosene and thinner, etc. if not necessary.
Never store flammable goods in excess of the relevant exempted quantity in
non-designated dangerous goods stores.
After polyurethane polishing, open all windows in order to dissipate the flammable
gases accumulated indoors before turning on the power or igniting fire.
FIRE SERVICE INSTALLATIONS (F.S.I.)
Make sure that members of your family know how to operate the F.S.I. provided in
your building, e.g. extinguishers, hose reels, etc.
You should use fire service installations under safe conditions and only if you are
confident to do so. The use of fire service installations should not delay your escape.
All F.S.I. should be inspected by a registered contractor at least once in every 12
months and must be repaired immediately if there is any irregularity. Extinguishers
are commonly used for tackling small fire.
The followings are some common types of extinguishers and their usage :
- Carbon Dioxide Type Extinguishers
Use : On electrical fires, flammable liquids, delicate equipment, important
documents, or fires in confined spaces.
Note : Vapours will asphyxiate. Withdraw to open air after use.
Method of operation :
- Bring the fire extinguisher to the fire ground and keep a safe distance.
- Pull out the safety pin of the operating handle, and point the discharge horn at
the burning material.
- Press the operating handle and the control valve will be opened. The liquid
carbon dioxide in the discharge horn will then vaporize and expand, and eject
via the discharge horn towards the base of the fire, smothering the burning
material.
- After the fire is extinguished, release the operating handle to halt the discharge
of gas.
- Water Type Extinguishers
Use : On fires involving woods, textiles and paper.
Never : On fire involving electrical or flammable liquids or metals.
Method of operation :
- Bring the fire extinguisher to the fire ground and keep a safe distance.
- Pull out the safety pin, and point the nozzle at the burning material.
- Press the operating handle. For gas cartridge type extinguishers, the gas
cartridge will be pierced by the striker. Carbon dioxide will then be released,
and at the same time, the control valve will be opened. For stored-pressure
type extinguishers, the control valve will also be opened, and water in the
cylinder will be forced out through the nozzle. The nozzle can be adjusted to
direct the water jet at the base of the fire to cool down the burning material.
- Dry Powder Type Extinguishers (gas-cartridge / stored-pressure)
Use : On most fires, flammable liquids, metal fires or electrical fires.
Method of operation :
- Bring the fire extinguisher to the fire ground and keep a safe distance.
- Pull out the safety pin of the operating handle, and point the nozzle at the
burning material.
- Press the operating handle. For gas cartridge type extinguishers, the gas
cartridge will be pierced by the striker. Carbon dioxide will then be released, and
at the same time, the control valve will be opened. For stored-pressure type
extinguishers, the control valve will also be opened. In both cases, dry powder
stored in the cylinder will be automatically be ejected through the nozzle.
Adjust the nozzle so that the dry powder is directed at the base of the fire to
smother the burning material.
- After the fire is extinguished, release the operating handle to stop the discharge
of dry powder.
- Clean Agent Fire Extinguishers
Use : On electrical fires, flammable liquids, delicate equipment, important
documents.
Method of operation :
- Bring the fire extinguisher to the fire ground and keep a safe distance.
- Pull out the safety pin, and point the nozzle at the burning material.
- Press the operating handle and the control valve will be opened. The gas will
eject through the nozzle towards the base of the fire, smothering the burning
material.
- After the fire is extinguished, release the operating handle to halt the discharge
of gas.
- Foam Type Extinguishers (gas-cartridge / stored-pressure)
Use : On fires involving flammable liquids.
Never : On electrical fires.
Method of operation :
- Bring the fire extinguisher to the fire ground and keep a safe distance.
- Pull out the safety pin of the operating handle, and point the nozzle at the
burning material.
- Press the operating handle. For gas cartridge type extinguishers, the gas
cartridge will be pierced by the striker. Carbon dioxide will then be released,
and at the same time, the control valve will be opened. For stored-pressure
type extinguishers, the control valve will also be opened. In both cases, foam
solution stored in the cylinder will automatically be ejected through the nozzle.
Adjust the nozzle so that the foam is directed against the inner wall of the
container until the foam flows all over the burning oil or flammable liquid and
eventually smothers it.
- After the fire is extinguished, release the operating handle to stop the discharge
of foam.
- Fire Blankets
Use : On fires involving flammable liquids, such as small fires in the kitchen and
laboratory.
Method of operation :
Take the blanket out from the case and drape it over the flames to seal off air.
Switch off the source of heat and leave the blanket in position until the burning
material cools down.
EMERGENCY PLANNING
Prepare with your family a detailed emergency escape route in case of fire, and
arrange a meeting place. The most dangerous time is at night when the family is
asleep. Plan alternative ways and routes of escape beforehand, and be prepared for
quick evacuation. You should actively participate in fire protection talks and fire
drills organized by the Fire Services Department or the management office of your
building.
Make special arrangements for the sick, the aged, the disabled and the young, who
cannot escape by themselves.
Carry out fire drills at night and develop the most realistic plan.
On your way out of the building, close whatever doors you pass by along the escape
route. This may limit smoke and fire from spreading and reduce resultant damage.
Dial 999 and call the Fire Services Department as quickly as possible in case of fire.
Good housekeeping is a vital requisite for fire precaution. If, unfortunately, you
have to deal with a fire, deal with it calmly.
FOR A FIRE INVLOVING FATS OR OILS
Do not use water directly on burning fats or oils.
Do not carry a pan of burning fats.
To extinguish a fire involving fats or oils in a pan, turn off the gas supply and
cover the pan with a lid or a plate. If the clothing, cooking fat or other
inflammable liquids are on fire, fire blankets should be used to smother the fire.
Fire blankets should preferably be kept in cylindrical metal containers fixed to
the wall.
Water should only be used on the surroundings if the fire spreads.
FOR A FIRE ON ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
Do
Switch off the current at the mains or unplug the appliance involved.
Do Not
Use water on live electrical equipment.
Use Only
Dry powder or carbon dioxide extinguishers for fires involving electrical equipment
but also remember to switch off the current.
WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CLOTHING CATCHES FIRE
If your clothing catches fire, lie down immediately – to prevent the flames from
traveling up to your face – and then roll across the floor …. ‘Drop and Roll’
It will be better if you can wrap yourself in any textile fabric (i.e. a blanket,
carpet, coat, curtain, dressing gown, towel, etc.), while rolling on the floor. But
do not delay lying down an instant to search for these things.
If you are present when someone’s clothing catches fire, ask him to lie down
immediately. Then grab a rug, mat, carpet, etc. and wrap round him. Be
careful that your own clothing does not catch fire.
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