As I have often highlighted in my writings, the concept of Total Fire Safety and Security is an essential framework comprising three critical components: precaution, prevention, and protection.
In this week’s column, I want to delve deeper into these three elements, as they are fundamental in addressing the most pressing concern for all of us—how to respond to a fire or critical incident and minimize its impact.
Ultimately, how quickly we return to normalcy depends on our preparedness and actions.
When you are prepared and know what to do, the responsibility lies with you.
It cannot solely be the duty of the government or the Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba).
Often, people question the government’s role in ensuring their safety, but safety is a shared responsibility.
While laws are in place to protect and guide us, ignorance and the belief that “it won’t happen to me” lead many to assume they are safe.
When a fire does occur, the immediate reaction is to ask, “Why did this happen to me?” — a question rooted in denial and unsafe practices.
Unsafe acts, unsafe behaviour, and unsafe conditions—what I call the ABCs of fire risk—are often the culprits behind such incidents.
The statistics paint a sobering picture.
Nationwide, an average of 113 fire calls is received daily, amounting to 41,149 calls in 2024 alone.
In Sarawak, the average is six calls per day, totalling 2,176 calls last year.
This reflects the persistence of what I term the 3Ls syndrome—”Lupa” (Forgetfulness), “Lalai” (Carelessness), and “Leka” (Negligence)—which continues to haunt us.
In 2024, the estimated losses recorded by Sarawak Bomba stood at RM199,921,196, translating to a daily average of RM547,729 worth of property going up in smoke.
These are unnecessary losses that could have been prevented.
A staggering 714 structural fires were recorded last year, with 57.1 per cent involving residential and private dwellings.
According to fire forensic findings, 57.4 per cent of these incidents were due to electrical-related causes.
Electrical arcs, sparks, short circuits, overcurrent, overload, and resistance heating were identified as primary triggers.
Poor maintenance and housekeeping of electrical equipment significantly contribute to these incidents, making them all the more preventable.
Consider this: on an average day, most people spend about two-thirds of their time at home with their loved ones.
Hours are spent engaging in activities that, if not managed properly, could contribute to fire hazards.
The question we must all ask ourselves is, how confident are we that our homes are safe and fireproof?
We are responsible for ensuring safe acts, behaviours, and conditions.
It is essential to know how to use the right fire extinguisher and to understand its proper application.
Every household should have essential fire protection equipment.
This includes a working fire extinguisher, a smoke detector for early detection and warning, a fire blanket in the kitchen, and an accessible emergency key box for grilles.
Additionally, families should plan and practice escape routes and fire drills at least once a year.
Minimizing risks involves keeping kitchens clean, maintaining appliances, and being mindful of electrical devices, including tech gadgets.
Keeping a working portable fire extinguisher accessible can make all the difference in an emergency.
One critical yet often overlooked step is decluttering the home.
Highly combustible items such as paper, magazines, and old clothes should be discarded. In the event of a kitchen fire, never attempt to extinguish it with water, as this can exacerbate the flames.
Instead, use a suitable fire blanket or cover the fire with a damp cloth to smother it.
Always switch off the gas when it is not in use to prevent accidental ignition.
Using only approved electrical appliances and keeping them at a safe distance from heat-emitting equipment is another vital measure.
Power sockets should always be switched off when not in use, and potential fire sources must be kept out of the reach of children.
Another common but dangerous habit is leaving mobile phones, power banks, laptops, and other gadgets charging overnight.
These should be charged on fireproof surfaces and never on combustible materials. Unused plugs and sockets should always be unplugged to prevent electrical faults.
I advocate for every home to have at least one working portable fire extinguisher.
It should be kept in a visible and easily accessible location.
Investing in an ABC dry powder or multipurpose fire extinguisher is a wise decision, as these can be used on carbon-based fires, oil fires, and electrical equipment.
It is crucial to know how to use a fire extinguisher correctly.
The acronym P.A.S.S. is a helpful guide: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the lever, and Sweep from side to side to suffocate the flames.
Portable fire extinguishers play a significant role in early intervention.
Many homes and longhouses have been saved due to the quick actions of individuals using these devices to extinguish small fires before they spread.
Fire can spread within minutes, and smoke can be deadly in seconds.
This is why it is vital to take fire safety seriously and be prepared for any eventuality.
Installing portable smoke detectors in strategic locations is another critical preventive measure.
These devices detect fires in their early stages and provide timely warnings.
In the event of a fire, every second counts, and it is crucial that everyone in the household knows how to respond quickly and efficiently.
If a house fire occurs and you can no longer control it, do not panic.
If a room is filled with smoke, stay low and crawl with your nose no more than 18 inches above the floor to exit safely.
Shout to alert others, and once outside, perform a headcount to ensure everyone is accounted for.
Never re-enter a burning building for any reason, and always close doors behind you to limit the fire’s oxygen supply and slow its spread.
Fire safety is a personal responsibility, and it revolves around our actions, behaviours, and the conditions we maintain.
We must act and make changes to ensure our safety.
It is essential to understand the 5DN characteristics of fire: it does not make appointments, does not come with courtesy, does not need an invitation, does not take holidays, and does not select its victims.
With the upcoming Aidilfitri celebrations, it is especially important to remain vigilant and make our homes safe from fire hazards.
Avoid the 3Ls and take proactive measures to protect your loved ones.
Fire prevention is a choice, and the best is to prioritize precaution, prevention, and protection.
Let us all play our roles vigilantly and become champions of fire safety in our homes and communities.
DISCLAIMER:
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the Sarawak Tribune.