How to keep your home safe from fires

• Regularly maintain electrical appliances (use only SABS-approved items) and electrical services to prevent overloading or short-circuiting.
• Don’t overload electrical plugs or connections as they may overheat and catch fire.
• Use your heating, cooking or lighting devices safely – use on a stable platform and not near flammable substances of any kind.
• Put out or switch off all heating, cooking, candles and lighting devices in your home before going to sleep or leaving the area.
• If you live in an informal settlement your home (shack) must have a safe distance of at least three metres between it and the next unit to prevent a fire from spreading.
• If you live on or near the urban fringe areas your home will have a greater wildfire risk.
• If your house has a thatched roof – treat it regularly for fire protection and install lightning conductors.
• Take out adequate insurance to cover the building and your possessions.
• Fire-wise your garden and reduce overgrowth and vegetation in and around your property by cutting and trimming on a regular basis to avoid fire spread.
• Minimise areas where combustible vegetation or other material accumulates.
• Avoid slash and burn or bush clearing activities during the high-risk days – a specific burning permit or authorization is required by fire safety regulations.
• Maintain adequate firebreaks between homes and nearby vegetation to protect your property.
• Keep matches, lighters, paraffin and poisonous substances out of the reach of children and ensure that children are always supervised and never left alone.
• Use safety caps on all poisonous or flammable substances containers.
• Keep access to fire hydrants clear and available, and provide for emergency services access.