Understanding House Fires
A fire can break out at any time, and can quickly engulf the entire home within minutes. In 2023, SCDF responded to 967 fires in the first half of the year alone, with more than half of the fires occurring in residential buildings.
Electrical faults and unattended cooking were amongst the top two causes of house fires.
Minimising Hazards In The Home
Safeguarding against these common hazards is the best way to enforce fire safety in your home.
Ensure that electrical outlets are not overloaded and check each cable for broken wires or exposed wiring. All appliances and electrical outlets should be switched off when not in use. Unplug devices from charging ports before bed.
In the kitchen, the most important rule is to never leave cooking unattended. Switch off the gas supply when not in use or turn power off for induction cookers.
All flammable items, such as cooking oil or alcohol, should be stored far away from heat sources. Matches and lighters should be safely stowed away, out of reach from children.
A Fire Breaks Out: What Should You Do?
It is essential to come up with an escape plan in the event of a fire outbreak. Take note of all escape routes, and ensure that every family member is informed about the roles they should play during such emergencies.
Install smoke detectors, like the HFAD, to alert you in case of smoke. It is mandatory for fire extinguishers to be placed at the lift lobbies of one in every two Housing Board blocks for residents’ easy access. Be aware of the nearest one located to your home, and only use the fire extinguisher if the fire is small and contained.
In the event of a real fire, alert everyone in the house and get them out. When possible, inform your closest neighbours and call 995 immediately.
If safe to do so, close the door and windows in the room where the fire is located to contain it. Turn off all gas mains if accessible.
Remember to stay low to avoid smoke, and adopt the STOP, DROP & ROLL method if your clothes catch fire. Do not stop to grab personal belongings on your way out.
Treating Burns
In the event of injuries, it is imperative to know burns first-aid. There are multiple stages of burns that can occur.
First-degree burns are also known as minor burns and only affect the outer layer of the skin. This can be seen from redness, swelling and a slight burning sensation. Second-degree burns are deeper, which can be seen from blisters or skin that appears shiny, wet and white.
Third-degree burns affect all layers of the skin and will look like dark, leathery skin. The casualty may not feel any sensation in the affected area due to nerve damage.
Being able to recognise the severity of the burn will determine the type of first-aid needed.
Remember: Minor or first-degree burns can be tended to yourself. Second-degree and third-degree burns need emergency medical care immediately - loosely cover the burn with a gauze or a clean cloth until an ambulance arrives.
Be Prepared
Keep up-to-date with managing hazards in the home and ensure that your fire safety plan is in place. To better manage risks at home, you can use the household fire safety checklist in the Civil Defence Emergency Handbook by SCDF.
If you get burn-related injuries, remember to cool down any minor burns with running water. Any severe burns can be loosely covered until medical help arrives.
In summary, prevention is better than reaction. Through understanding and recognising the importance of fire safety, we can be better prepared in safeguarding our homes and our loved ones.
References
More PAB and home fires in first half of 2023 but fewer non-emergency calls made: SCDF, Wong, Straits Times, 2023.
Fire Safety Tips: What To Do In A Fire, Chumari, Health Xchange, 2024.
Treating Minor Burns and Scalds, Parkway Health, 2022.