Fire Tips
The risk associated with fire is significantly influenced by fluctuating and variable rainfall cycles.
Around the home, take these precautions:
- Trim vegetation / veld grass up to 30m from dwellings;
- Remove dead and dry plants, trees, shrubs, excess leaves, plant parts, and low hanging branches around structures;
- Create fire safe zones using stone walls, patio’s, swimming pools, decks and road ways;
- Stack fire wood and other inflammable at least 10m away from buildings;
- Liquids should be stored in purpose manufactured metal containers;
- Provide sufficient fire extinguishing and supplementary equipment;
- Ensure all Fire Fighting equipment is regularly checked, serviced and in working order;
- Gas installations should be clear of combustibles and conform to the prescribed installation standards.
In the area:
- Create and maintain adequate Fire Breaks (a fire break will not stop a fire with a strong wind behind it; fire breaks give access to fire fighters and an opportunity to intervene);
- Join or form a local Fire Prevention Association, allowing for more structured and organised responses to fire risk;
- Form a fire response team;
- Ensure workers are fully equipped and regularly trained;
- Hold regular training drills for emergency fire response and evacuation of guests;
- Elect a fire chief and take instruction when fighting fires.