With the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are following WHO guidelines and staying home. In addition to taking extra care with their health and hygiene, they should also pay attention to their electrical equipment and household appliances. According to statistics, 95% of residential accidents are caused by carelessness or lack of maintenance. To ensure your well-being and the safety of your home, Carlos Henrique dos Santos, an international specialist in Emergency Management and Risk Prevention at Sprink, a risk management company, has compiled 11 key fire prevention tips.
- Do not leave cell phones and laptops plugged into power for long periods, especially while sleeping;
- Do not leave lighters and matches in places easily accessible to children; ;
- Do not smoke in inappropriate places, especially on the bed or sofa; ;
- Do not discard lit cigarette butts; ;
- Do not leave pots and irons turned on without proper supervision; ;
- Do not leave lit candles near or on easily combustible materials – a good solution is to place the candle inside a tall glass; ;
- Do not plug multiple devices into the same outlet using adapters or so-called T-taps. If it is necessary to connect more than one appliance to the same outlet, choose a surge protector strip (power strip).
- Do not use 20A equipment in 10A outlets, not even with an adapter. The 10A outlet has a smaller hole than the 20A one, precisely so that 20A plugs—which are thicker and require a higher amperage—are not used in 10A outlets; ;
- Perform periodic checks of your home's electrical system conditions, preferably with the support of a specialized company or professional. Wires, circuit breakers, and outlets must be evaluated to prevent overheating or eventual sparks;
- Make an effort to know the escape routes of the place where you live;
- Keep in mind the emergency numbers: Military Firefighter (193) and Samu (192).
SOURCE:
FIRE MAGAZINE
