The winter season is known to hold the highest number of fire accident-related casualties out of the rest of the four seasons, which is why the month of November is known for promoting safety and awareness of fire accident incidents in the home and to help emphasize the focus on keeping your house fire-free and safe.
During the dry winter weathered months, the rate of fire accident-related incidents is known to rise due to the excessive use of electricity and heating equipment within many homes. Here are a few tips suggested by The National Fire and Rescue Service Bureau to help keep you and your family safe and prevent potential fire accidents this upcoming winter season.
One of the No. One cause of fires within homes is the excessive use of power strip surges and electric extension cords. With items such as heaters and electric pads expanded through the house while beings over-utilized for long periods for time above the rated capacity of the home appliance, the accumulation of dust or other substance particles within the power strips’ electrical outlets can cause damage to wires, short circuits, sparks, eventually creating a fire.
Tips on How to Prevent Power Strip & Extension Cord Fire Accidents:
1) Unplug any power strips and extension cords when they are not in use.
2) Avoid placing electrical items such as heating devices or fans near areas prone to high dust accumulation, as well as keeping electrical heating appliances on for long periods.
3) Clean dust-accumulated power strip electric outlet gaps with a dry cloth or cotton swab.
Another common cause of home fire accidents is caused by the careless use of heating supplies such as electric heating pads, heaters, heating wires, and wooden furnaces.
Electric Pads (Jeongi Jangpan) can have a high chance of causing fire accidents due to overheating, short circuits, and overvoltage, so it is always recommended to keep heating pad temperature controls in check to make sure their functions are working correctly.
To prevent pressure and damage to internal electrical cords when storing electric pads, do not fold the pad but instead lightly roll it. Heating pads should also not be placed over thick blankets, especially any products that may include latex.
Heating boilers can ignite due to damage within their exhaust vents and unstable internal gas. Boilers such as ‘Hwamok Boilers’ are required to be internally cleaned at least once every two months during the summer and at least once a month during the winter.
Gas stoves are known to have explosive solid power; their gas is 1.5 times heavier than air, raising an even higher possibility of a fire accident. There is an exceptionally high possibility of explosion due to gas-blocking measures when removing and reinstalling gas facilities when moving to and from a new home. When removing any gas-containing appliances, follow safe gas containment measures and seek help from experts.
To check for gas leaks, fit for any unusual gas-like odors, and avoid placing combustible materials near the appliance. When in use, make sure that the gas flame is blue in color, and if there is any suspected gas leakage, apply some soapy water to the leakage area to check for any bubble formations. After use, tightly lock and seal the intermediate valve.
From November through February, vulnerable targets of large-scale fire accidents will be intensively managed, and places such as traditional markets will set up a joint fire, electricity, and gas investigation team to help promote special fire investigations. In addition, monthly training is planned to be conducted to secure access roads to traditional markets with fire trucks.
Always unplug any unused electrical appliances and lock gas valves to help prevent in-home fires and keep your safe and warm home during the upcoming chilly winter season.
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