'Fire protection equipment in homes will assist occupants put out small fire. This type of fire, when not put out easily, can grow into large and destructive fires'
DISASTERS do happen, mostly naturally and sometimes through the carelessness of mankind.
But as the authorities say, it is always better to be prepared for any kind of disaster, including in the home.
Of concern to the authorities is that many homes in the country are not equipped with proper fire safety or protection equipment.
Many homes in the country are not insured, especially those in the rural areas, thus resulting in thousands of dollars in loss when a fire breaks out.
While some are able to rebuild their homes through insurance money, others have to start from scratch or rely on the public for financial assistance to build new homes.
From January to May this year, the National Fire Authority attended to 34 structural fires, mostly in homes, compared to 29 for the same period last year.
Considering the increase in house fires, the NFA believes homes should be equipped with appropriate fire safety equipment that can minimise the impact of fires.
While there are many fire safety equipment available in the market, the NFA says the one that is very handy and which people can keep in their homes is the fire extinguisher.
Fire extinguishers are classed into four categories Class A, Class B, Class C and Class D depending on the type of fire.
The Class A extinguishers are used for combustible solid substances like plastic, paper and wood.
Class B extinguishers are for easily flammable liquids like kerosene, oil and gasoline while Class C is used for electrical related fires.
The Class D extinguishers are used in chemical laboratories for high powered fires caused by combustible metals.
NFA chief executive officer John OConnor said fire protection equipment in homes would assist occupants put out small fires, considering the increasing number of fires in the community.
Small fires, when not put out easily, can grow into large and destructive fires, he said.
Mr OConnor urged people to seek advice from the local fire station on the type of fire extinguishers that is appropriate to be installed in their homes, prior to making a decision on the installation of fire extinguishers in their properties.