21 Feb 2016

People have been advised to minimise fire risks both at the workplace and homes.

This was said by fire marshal, Mr Moses Mokotedi of Mahalapye Sub-fire Department during the Department of Water Affairs fire risk management workshop in Mahalapye recently.

Mr Mokotedi said it was important for people to consider the conditions of their workplace or homes as far as fire risk management was concerned, adding that a lot of things should be taken into consideration.

He said issues such as the kind of material used in the company, contents of the workplace, the type of construction and record keeping were some of the many issues that should be put in mind in minimising fire risks. 

He urged people to practice healthy house keeping and avoid overcrowding property in their store houses or at their homes.  He said when property was overcrowded it was difficult to escape from such places when there was a fire breakout.

Mr Mokotedi also said it was important to keep offices and homes tidy at all times. “You should not leave trailers because they are responsible for transferring fire from one room to the other,” he said.

He said people should familiarise themselves with their buildings and know the internal linings, adding that companies and individuals should practice fire drills once in a while.  He also said it was important to have a fire escape plan.

Mr Mokotedi said overloading sockets, leaving cooking gas open and cooking pots unattended, using unapproved electrical devices and smoking cigarettes inside the house should be avoided.

Furthermore, he said overheating of equipment should also be avoided, and that parents should not let their children use electrical equipment without supervision.

He applauded the Department of Water Affairs for sensitising their employees about fire risks, adding that this showed that they were giving fire risks the attention it deserves.

Assistant procurement officer from Water Affairs Department, Mr Ngaparelang Makwete said the purpose was to sensitise people about the importance of keeping their properties safe. Ends