March is officially fire prevention month. Even as it comes to a close, fires are still very commonplace in the Philippines. Based on data by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), it marks the beginning of the hottest and most humid months in the country— the ideal recipe for devastating fires. Historically, it’s during these summer months that fires occur.
It’s crucial that you know how to prevent a fire at home, particularly if your home is a unit in a condo. Condo fires can spread fast and can affect multiple households. Fire safety is important throughout the year, of course, but it’s a good idea to double up on your readiness in the hottest season.
1. Be attentive to open flames
Open flames of any kind pose big fire risks. In condos, these open flames often come from unattended cooking stoves, ovens, candles, and cigarettes. These are everyday occurrences for condo owners, and, as such, these have to be attended to at all times.
Keep an eye on your cooking
When cooking over a stove, for example, food might boil over and spill unexpectedly, causing a fire. Make sure that you oversee pots and pans on the stove, even if you’re just waiting for something to boil or just reheating food. When cooking, try to avoid multi-tasking. Do not allow for distractions. If you have to leave your cooking for a few minutes, set a timer to remind you when you need to check in on the stove, which should be done regularly.
Another simple tip you can do to help avoid fires within your condominium unit is to keep oven mitts, paper towels, and other items made of cloth away from stoves and burners. When cooking, avoid loose-fitting clothes that might easily catch fire.
As required by most condominium properties, fire extinguishers should be present in your unit and accessible at all times. They are commonly placed near the kitchen area where a lot of fire hazards happen. Also make sure that your fire extinguisher isn’t expired.
Always put candles out
Decorative and scented candles are becoming more popular in homes. Light candles as sparingly as possible, but that’s not to say that can’t indulge yourself. You can go ahead and light candles, as long as you keep them away from curtains, linens, and other flammable materials. It would also be a good idea to place candles on flat surfaces that aren’t easily moved or tilted. Always blow candles out before leaving the room or going to bed.
Dispose of cigarette butts properly
Similar to candles, active smokers should avoid lighting cigarettes on couches, beds, and near curtains as these are usually made of flammable materials. You should also refrain from lighting a cigarette when near a gas range or stove. Another important thing to observe is proper disposal. Check that there is no active ember when you throw a cigarette butt away. Trash cans are often made of plastic or contain paper waste, both of which easily catch fire. For condo units with balcony, it is rude, unsanitary and dangerous to throw cigarette butts from your unit to the pedestrian area or the property compound.
2. Check electrical wires regularly
Faulty electrical connections and wirings have been the top fire hazards in Metro Manila, accounting for an average of 54% of all fires annually. More specifically, it’s these concerns that lead to fires:
- The use of substandard materials
- Improper installation of wirings and appliances
- Misuse of appliances and equipment
- Inadequate maintenance practices
It can be difficult to have wirings checked for individual units in residential buildings like condominiums. However, you can start by checking the visible cords and wires for damages and getting them replaced before they do any harm. You should also ensure that you’re using electronics and appliances as directed. For one, always check that you’re using the electricity supplies with the right wattages. These simple steps could make all the difference in terms of fire safety.
3. Monitor smoke alarms
Modern condo units are equipped with smoke alarms to detect the presence of fires. These alarms also come with sprinklers to help stop fires from spreading further.
Living in a condo, check that the smoke alarms are working well in your unit. Coordinate with your condo’s property management office and conduct tests regularly. You’ll also have to replace smoke alarm batteries annually; although, swapping batteries out every six months would be ideal.
4. Have an evacuation plan
No matter how prepared you can be, there are cases where fires can still break out. You have to be prepared for these instances. Having an evacuation plan in case of fires can help you from panicking should the worst-case scenario happens. Identify fire escape routes from your unit. If you live in a multi-person condo, establish a meeting place outside so you can ease the anxiety over getting each other out during a fire.
It’s one thing to have an evacuation plan, but it’s another thing to test out these plans to see whether these strategies are effective. Conduct your own drills and make adjustments where you deem necessary.
5. Choose a reputable developer, choose a condo in Camella
Living in a condo, you may not have a lot of control over fire safety or preparedness as you would in a traditional home. This is why a home in a well-built building is your best bet to avoid fires altogether. A reputable condo developer such as Camella ensures that you’re set up safely and comfortably in your new home.
Camella keeps you safe from house fire risks by ensuring that you have state-of-the-art fire detection and safety systems in place. With decades of building homes under our belt, we’ve developed excellent protocols to help you stay safe in your condo in Camella whatever the situation, even in fires. We guarantee that you move into homes that make you feel safe, comfortable, and secure. A condo in Camella allows you to live your best possible life with fewer worries and anxiety all year round.
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