Install safety device to prevent home fire fatalities

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Wan Mohd (centre) witnessing the handing over of the Fire and Rescue Station replica key by Cahaya Jauhar Sdn Bhd CEO Mohd Auzir Mohd Tahir (second right) to Johore Fire and Rescue department deputy director Mohd Yusof Mohd Gunno at the opening of the new Nusajaya Fire and Rescue Station. — Bernama photo

Wan Mohd (centre) witnessing the handing over of the Fire and Rescue Station replica key by Cahaya Jauhar Sdn Bhd CEO Mohd Auzir Mohd Tahir (second right) to Johore Fire and Rescue department deputy director Mohd Yusof Mohd Gunno at the opening of the new Nusajaya Fire and Rescue Station. — Bernama photo

KUALA LUMPUR: Low awareness among the public on the importance of installing safety devices in their homes is one of the main causes of fire deaths.

Fire and Rescue Department director-general, Datuk Wira Wan Mohd Nor Ibrahim, said the death toll from fires can be avoided if people are concerned, alert and follow the guidelines suggested by the authorities on the need for safety requirements in their homes.

Although the fire department has not yet authorised the use of these devices at private homes, the people need to realise that they play an important role in saving lives.

Among the recommended safety equipment are the smoke detector and fire extinguisher.

“I would like to emphasise that the people need to have at least one safety device in their homes,” he said when met at his office in Putrajaya recently.

“People need to have high awareness and concern to ensure safety in their respective homes. They only need to invest about RM85 and RM120 to install a smoke detector,” he said.

The smoke detector can give an early warning to occupants of the house and enable them to act sooner to extinguish the fire.

Wan Mohd Nor said in the event of a fire in the house the carbon monoxide gas emmitted by the fire can cause dizziness, unconsciousness, and even result in death.

“Based on hospital forensic reports, most of the fire-related deaths were due to shortness of breath caused by smoke inhalation,” he said.

Wan Mohd Nor said until August this year, a total of 56,981 fires were recorded nationwide with 107 fire deaths. — Bernama