10 ways you can make you #SAFEATHOME

Astro Awani
September 19, 2017 09:38 MYT
Invest in a good fire extinguisher to be placed at home. It doesn't cost more than RM100, even for a good brand. - Filepic
WHILE the question of whether the fire that razed the Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah tahfiz centre could have been avoided may be subjective, one cannot be too careful in ensuring the safety of a home.
The issue of fire and tahfiz schools are both close to Astro AWANI business editor Ibrahim Sani’s heart. This is because he had attended a tahfiz centre during his childhood and is aware on the lack of security and safety some of these institutions possess.
Ibrahim also knows the issue of house fire firsthand, having being a survivor himself some years ago. According to him, he and his family barely made it out alive.
Now, he is championing the #SAFEATHOME idea which looks at how we can start with the little things, to make our homes a safer place.
#1 – Check emergency exits
Check your house’s grilles and emergency exits. Ensure that the keys are close by to your exit strategy. Do not prohibit your movement towards the exit path. Make sure the staircase and stairwell are clear of any hazard.
#2 – Teach safety education
Adequate yourselves, your kids and anyone living with you on safety awareness. The concept of alerting everyone to make sure they are aware of safety procedures is key.
#3 – Watch electrical plugs
Check all plugs in your house. Don’t overload your power points and make sure children are steered clear of them.
#4 – Install smoke detectors
Install smoke detectors at home. They only cost RM30 per piece. It's cheaper than buying a steak at a restaurant.
#5 – Buy fire extinguishers
Always keep a fire extinguisher at home and put it at a strategic place where it is easy to reach in case of emergencies. Test it periodically.
#6 – Draw evacuation plans
Draw evacuation plans at home. Discuss it with your family and test it at least once a year to ensure everyone is well-versed about it.
#7 – Make sure your window grilles can be opened
If there is a lock, make sure you know where the key is located and you know how to open it.
#8 – Change your window grilles
Change your window grilles altogether if there is no exit path.
#9 – Check gas cylinders
Check the gas cylinders in your kitchen periodically. It is best to close the regulator knob to “off” position when cylinder is not in use.
#10 – Pray
After you have taken all precautionary measures, hope for the best and pray that the Almighty will protect you and your family.
#how to keep your home safe from fire #Pusat Tahfiz Darul Quran Ittifaqiyah #tahfiz school fire