Fire can turn a quiet home into a deadly inferno in just two minutes*. It's a terrifying thought but an unfortunate reality for many. In Malaysia alone, fire damage reached a shocking RM2.25 billion in 2020.

But here's the good news - with the proper knowledge and preparation, you can safeguard your home and loved ones. This guide will share practical tips on fire safety and hazards to help you prevent, control, and recover from a fire.

Fire safety isn't just a topic; it's a life-saving practice. Let's get started because a bit of knowledge can go a long way.

  

Understanding Fire Hazards: A Guide for Malaysian Homes

In 2021, the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba) tackled a staggering 7,447 structural fire cases. The main culprit? Electrical faults account for 60% of these incidents (4,558 cases).

Picture this: a short circuit, an overloaded socket, or a faulty appliance. These seemingly minor issues can quickly spiral into a full-blown inferno, turning your haven into a dangerous hotspot.

But electricity isn't the only villain. Gas equipment and lighters are also key players, responsible for 1,328 and 525 cases, respectively. A distracted moment while cooking on a gas stove or careless handling of a lighter can ignite a disaster.

Then there are the silent offenders: improperly stored flammable items like cigarette butts, mosquito coils, candles, and joss sticks.

As a homeowner, it's crucial to understand these risks. Because knowledge isn't just power - it's safety. You can create a secure, fire-proof sanctuary for you and your family by staying informed.

Remember, prevention is always better than cure. So, let's turn up the 'heat' on fire safety and protect our homes.

*Stats above sourced: https://www.bomba.gov.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Laporan-Tahun-2021_compressed.pdf

  

How to Prevent Fire at Your Home

Electrical Safety

1. Regular maintenance is the key: You already know that electrical faults are the leading cause of house fires. Regular maintenance is your first line of defence, especially in homes over 20 years old. The Fire and Rescue Department recommends a thorough wiring check-up every ten years and updating the installation.
2. Hire qualified electricians: Tempted to save a few bucks by hiring an unqualified electrician? Think again. Cutting corners can lead to costly mistakes, for example, illegal wiring upgrades. Play it safe, and hire a professional.
3. Use SIRIM-approved wires: Don't let cheap, substandard wires put your home at risk. Only use SIRIM-approved wires. They cost a little more, but they're worth every penny.
4. Avoid Socket Overload: Using multiple extensions on one socket can surpass the socket capacity, causing sparks that can start a fire.
5. Plug-In Wisely: Constantly plugging and unplugging your devices can loosen and damage the plug. Over time, loose plugs can trigger electrical sparks.

  

Kitchen Safety

1. Keep objects away from open flames: Keep your cooking area clear of flammable materials. A three-foot safety zone around your stove can be a lifesaver.
2. Child and Pet-Proof Your Kitchen: When cooking, ensure kids and pets are at a safe distance. A moment's distraction can turn a small flame into a significant fire hazard.
3. Gas Stove Safety Checks: Regularly inspect your gas stove connections and valves, especially when changing tanks. Keep an eagle eye out for leaks or faulty parts.

  

Handling Flammable Materials

1. Never leave candles unattended: Love that warm, flickering glow? So do we. But remember, safety first. Always snuff out candles when you're done, and keep them clear of flammable items like curtains or upholstery. A sudden gust could turn a cosy scene into a fire hazard. And as for the little ones? Keep candles out of reach to avoid any accidental knock-overs.
2. Store matches and lighters out of reach: Keep these fiery tools on high shelves safely out of kids' curious hands.
3. No smoking in bed: Your bed isn't a smoking lounge. Mattresses and bedding can easily catch fire. If you smoke, use a sturdy, large ashtray and make sure your cigarette is fully extinguished before you leave. Remember, one smouldering ember can cause a catastrophe.
4. Use safe containers for mosquito coils: Lighting a mosquito coil? Ensure it's in a proper, burn-safe container and out of your children's reach.

  

Check out the Fire and Rescue Department website for more safety tips.

Tips: Digitise important documents like birth certificates and passports. If a fire does break out, you'll have one less thing to worry about.

  

Fire Contingency Plans

Escape Plan 101: Your Lifeline in a Home Fire

You've fire-proofed your home, but let's face it – accidents happen. So, what's your next move? Map out your escape plan in case fire breaks out.

Here's how:

1. Mark Your Exit Route: Grab your home's floor blueprint and sketch two escape routes for every room. Why two? One might be blocked by smoke or flames, and you need a backup.
2. Keep The Route Clear: Make sure these escape paths are free from clutter and furniture. Your life could depend on a clear path.
3. Beat the Clock: Your escape routes should get everyone outside in under two minutes. Teach everyone how to open windows and grills swiftly.
4. Pick a Rally Point: Choose a safe outdoor spot where everyone can regroup.
5. Assist the vulnerable: Do some family members have mobility issues and need help evacuating? Assign helpers.
6. Memorisation is Key: Make sure everyone memorises these routes. They should be able to navigate them even when visibility is poor (dark or smoke-filled path), e.g. by counting the steps.
7. Practice Makes Perfect: Run a family fire drill twice a year. It's the best way to ensure everyone knows their part in the escape plan.

  

Fire Fighting Equipment

Moving on from having a solid fire escape plan, let's dive into another crucial fire safety contingency - arming your home with cutting-edge fire safety technology.

Think beyond the basic smoke detectors and fire extinguishers. We're talking about smart smoke detectors and advanced fire extinguishers that control fires effectively. These aren't just nice-to-haves; they're absolute must-haves in every home.

  

Smoke Detectors

Imagine a device that alerts you of a potential fire and sends notifications to your phone. That's the power of smart smoke detectors. These devices have different sensors to detect smoke, heat, and even deadly carbon monoxide.

Depending on your needs, you can opt for photoelectric smoke detectors that warn you of slow, smouldering fires. Or, go for ionisation sensors that quickly pick up fast flaming fires.

And let's remember the electrochemical sensor, a lifesaver when detecting carbon monoxide. Some detectors even combine these features, giving you an all-in-one safety solution.

Worried about the batteries? Some come with sealed batteries that last up to a decade. Others have replaceable batteries and will even tell you when they run low.

The best spots for these detectors are bedrooms, kitchens, and stairways. Remember to test them annually and replace them every ten years to keep them in top shape.

  

Fire Extinguishers

A trusty fire extinguisher is the first line of defence when a fire breaks out. But did you know there's a variety tailored to different kinds of fires?

Let's dive into the world of fire extinguishers so you can choose the right one for your home.

Fire Extinguisher Classification	Types of Fire Sources
Class A	Everyday materials like wood, fabric, or paper
Class B	Flammable Liquids like fuel, paint, and varnish
Class C	Gas fires like butane or methane
Class D	Metals like potassium or magnesium
Class E	Electrical fires<
Class F	Cooking oil and fat

  

The most commonly used extinguisher is the A.B.C. dry powder type. This versatile tool can effectively handle Class A, B, and C fires because it contains Monoammonium Phosphate (M.A.P.).

Ensure that the extinguisher contains at least 40% M.A.P. Just be mindful of the residue it leaves – it could damage electrical outlets or fabric. However, it is not effective against kitchen fires. One last precaution when using this type is not to inhale the dry powder.

If electrical fires are a concern, consider a CO2 fire extinguisher. It suffocates fires by removing oxygen and leaves no residue, making it perfect for Class B and E fires.

The wet chemical fire extinguisher is very effective in kitchen fires. Usually found in commercial kitchens, this extinguisher uses potassium to create a foam barrier that cools and covers flammable materials. It's ideal for Class F fires but can also handle Class A.

  

How to Use Fire Extinguishers

You've got a fire extinguisher, but do you know how to use it? Memorise the acronym P.A.S.S.:

• Pull the pin.
• Aim at the fire's base, i.e. the source.
• Squeeze the lever.
• Sweep side-to-side until the fire's out.

  

Maintaining Fire Extinguishers

Your fire extinguisher is like a superhero waiting in the wings, ready to act when danger strikes. Most Bomba-approved fire extinguishers have a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. But even superheroes need a check-up, so make it a habit to inspect it at least once a month.

Here's a quick monthly health check to keep your extinguisher in top form:

1. Location - Keep it easily accessible.
2. Visual Inspection - Look for dents, punctures, or rust. If your extinguisher's looking worse for wear, it might be time for a replacement.
3. Pin Check - Ensure the pull-pin is intact. It's the magic key that unleashes your extinguisher's power.
4. Pressure Gauge Check - The needle should be in the green zone. If not, it is not fully charged.

Finally, always replace your fire extinguisher once used.

  

What To Do If a Fire Starts in Your Home

Remember this golden rule: In the face of an uncontrollable fire at home, your priority is to evacuate the house, stay out, and dial 999.

Below is your step-by-step guide to escaping a house fire safely.

1. Activate Your Escape Plan: You've got one, right? Now's the time to use it. Shut doors and windows to slow the fire's spread as you escape. If your planned route is blocked, switch to plan B (backup route).
2. Check Door Handles Before You Open: If a door feels warm, this means there is fire on the other side, so find another way. Open doors cautiously, ready to slam them shut at the first sign of smoke or flames.
3. Stay Low: Smoke rises, so crawl if you have to. Keep your head down to two feet above floor level. Once you're out, shut the door to contain the fire.
4. Call 999: Make it to your pre-determined meeting spot and dial 999 immediately.
5. Trapped? Stay Put: If escape isn't possible, seal your room with wet towels underneath the door and use the fabric or tape for any other gaps. Then call 999 and signal for help from a window using a flashlight or light-coloured cloth.
6. Avoid the Roof: Always aim for the ground floor. If you're in a high-rise, never use the elevator.
7. Leave Your Belongings: Possessions can be replaced, but not you.
8. Inform Firefighters: Once help arrives, let them know if anyone or any pets are still inside. Never go back inside yourself.
9. Clothes on Fire? Stop, Drop, and Roll: Drop to the ground, cover your face, and roll until the flames are out. No safe space? Use a towel or blanket to smother the fire. Douse any minor burns with tepid water (15 deg C) for at least 5 to 20 minutes. Seek medical attention immediately.

  

Post-Fire Recovery: Your Next Steps

Just out of a fire? First, ensure you're safe and sound. Seek medical help if needed, and secure temporary shelter and food.

Next, kick-start the claims process. Inform your insurance provider about the incident and get your property's "safe to enter" status from Bomba. If all is clear, begin documenting the damage - photos, lists, everything.

But remember, don't discard anything until your insurer gives the green light.

For Kurnia customers, you must fill out a claim form to submit a claim. An adjuster may be assigned to visit the site to assess any damages. You'll need to get other supporting documents, such as the certified copy of the Fire Incident Report or Salinan Laporan Kebakaran/Kecemasan (S.L.K.K.) and Fire Investigation Report (LPK1) about the damages will also need to be submitted.

To verify your claims, locate any purchase invoices for the damaged items. If you need more information, you can visit our claims page.

  

Home Insurance: Your Fire Safety Net

Home insurance is your financial shield against fire damage. It can cover repair or rebuilding costs, replace damaged belongings, and even foot the bill for temporary accommodation.

Kurnia Insurans offers a variety of fire insurance policies:

• Houseowner Insurance safeguards your home's physical structure against damage from natural disasters, accidents, robbery, and fire. You can also get Householder Insurance to safeguard your home contents and personal effects against similar perils as Houseowner insurance. So, if you need a more complete protection, you can safeguard your home against a number of perils, with houseowner insurance for the physical structure and householder insurance for home contents.
• Fire Insurance is for both residential and commercial properties, protecting structures, contents, and stocks against loss or damage from lightning, fire, and domestic gas explosions. Want more? Opt for extra protection against losses due to natural disasters, electrical installations, and water damage.
• Then there's the Fire 365 plan. It's comprehensive, covering your property against fire, lightning, and domestic gas explosions. This product also comes with additional benefits which include an inconvenience benefit if a fire or flood damages your property, reimbursement for debris removal and repair costs, and even coverage against terrorism and sabotage. Plus, with additional premium, you can enjoy extended coverage on damages due to natural disasters such as earthquake, windstorm and more.

When choosing a policy, consider fire damage coverage options, limits, and exclusions. Regularly review and update your policy to accurately reflect the value of your home and possessions.

  

In Conclusion

Understanding fire risks in Malaysian homes is crucial. Implementing practical tips like installing smoke detectors, using electrical appliances correctly, practising safe cooking habits, and storing flammable materials properly can reduce fire risks. A comprehensive home insurance policy offers financial protection and peace of mind. Stay vigilant, prioritise fire safety, and protect your home and loved ones.

  

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Disclaimer: This blog post is strictly for informational purposes, and should not be taken as advice of any kind. Kurnia disclaims all responsibility for any losses resulting from reliance on the information contained in this article.

 

Liberty General Insurance Berhad is a member of Perbadanan Insurans Deposit Malaysia (PIDM). PIDM protects the benefit(s) payable under the eligible policy up to protection limits. Please refer to PIDM's TIPS Brochure or PIDM's Website, or contact our customer service.