10 ways you can make you #SAFEATHOME

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.