Prevent fire Mishaps this Summer and Always

If there is one thing that the pandemic has taught us, it’s to always look after the things that matter the most, including the home that keeps us safe through these challenging times. Even amid a pandemic, fire cases in the country continue to rise, but these can be avoided with proper caution and preparation.

AXA Philippines is here to help you secure your home and your family’s safety with these tips:

Get a smart smoke detector. It's one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your family. A smart smoke detector will give you an instant warning which can greatly reduce fire-related accidents. Another great thing about having smart devices at home is that they allow you to monitor remotely. In case a fire breaks out while you’re not home, your smart smoke detectors can send you an alert on your phone, so you can call the fire department or ask a neighbor to check on your house.

Mind your electricals. A common cause of fires in the country is faulty electrical wiring. Make sure to hire professional help when you smell anything burning or see flickering or dimming lights, as well as discoloration or scorch marks on your outlets. If the members of your household are working or studying from home, make sure to not overload your power outlets. Plug in only the appliances and devices that are necessary and don’t leave anything plugged in overnight. That way, you not only get to keep your house safe but also save money on energy bills.

Keep plants away from fire source. During quarantine, many have tried fostering their green thumb. Always be mindful of where you place your potted plants because they can easily catch fire. It’s also best not to have them in the kitchen. Instead, put them where they will be safe and aesthetically pleasing. Additionally, don’t put out cigarette butts in the soil of the plants. Most potting soils contain large volumes of peat moss, shredded wood, bark, and vermiculite – all of which are highly flammable.

Have an immediate emergency contact. Even if you try to be safe, emergencies can still happen anytime. AXA Philippines provides an enhanced emergency response service through Rescue Line, which is available for free for everyone. It’s a special 24/7 service accessible through Emma by AXA mobile app if you need emergency response such as in case of a fire, among other things. Rescue Line has a dedicated command center so you can receive help directly from the nearest fire station, thanks to its nationwide coverage. It also notifies not only the authorities but also your nominated loved ones simultaneously.
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For more information about AXA Rescue Line, visit https://axa.com.ph/rescue-line

Five Home Fire Safety Tips to Protect Your Family

Did you know that an average of 42 fire incidents occurs in the Philippines daily? This amounts to around ₱4.65 billion worth of damage every year. According to the Bureau of Fire Protection, the top causes of fire outbreaks in the Philippines are faulty electrical connections, lighted cigarette butts, and open flames. 

Since most of us are staying home with our families during this time, it’s our responsibility to ensure that our haven and sanctuary remains free from such health hazards. This Fire Prevention Month, educate yourself and your family on fire safety measures. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Here are five fire prevention measures you need to take: 

Install smoke alarms 

First things first: install a smoke alarm. These alarms can detect fire way before your nose can smell smoke. Early detection can save your house—and your loved ones’ lives. 

Install smoke alarms on every floor, including inside bedrooms and living areas. Mount each unit on the ceiling or high up on walls. Don’t forget to test these out every month and change the batteries every year. You don’t want them to fail you when a fire actually breaks out. After ten years of use, replace each unit. 

Try: X-SENSE Smoke Alarm, ₱1,500

Get fire extinguishers or blankets ready

Did you know that using water to extinguish fires isn’t fool-proof? Since oil and water don’t mix, using the latter to extinguish grease fires can actually cause it to spread. Additionally, water conducts electricity and you can get electrocuted if you try to douse an electrical fire. 

Instead, invest in a fire extinguisher or fire blanket. Confused about which one to use? Smother smaller fires in the kitchen with a fire blanket. They’re less messy and won’t damage food items in your kitchen. For bigger, harder-to-reach fires, use a fire extinguisher. Make sure they’re available on each floor. Place them near the kitchen, garage, and any other exit routes. 

Try: Daytech Fire Blanket, ₱489

Avoid open flames 

Does your weekend pamper routine feature scented candles? Place your candles on a stable, heat-resistant surface, preferably at a distance from your bed, curtains, and other flammable items. To avoid flare-ups, light them far away from aircon vents or electric fans. 

You might feel relaxed and ready for bed with soothing scents, but never doze off and leave your candles unattended. Consider switching to battery-operated candles if you have kids and pets who might accidentally knock them over. 

Try: At Home LED Candle, ₱230

Keep all appliances in working order

If you’ve been squeezing the last ounce of life out of your old appliances, it’s time to put them to rest. You’re not saving money by continuing to use rickety appliances until they give out. The faulty machinery and frayed cables pose a fire hazard. A fire outbreak will end up being more expensive than a new appliance. 

Most home fires start in the kitchen, so keep cooking appliances, in particular, functioning properly. For malfunctioning appliances, don’t attempt to use and call in a repairman as soon as possible. Replace if needed. 

Try: Haier Cooking Range, ₱15,799

Create a fire escape plan 

In the same way you practice fire drills at school or at the office, your family should craft its own home fire escape plan as well. 

Establish primary and alternative escape routes from the house and pick at least two meeting spots in case family members get separated from each other. Teach everyone the Stop, Drop, and Roll method in the event that their clothes catch fire. Lastly, buy an emergency medical kit you can easily grab on your way out of the house.

Try: Mediplast Emergency Kit, ₱465

Keep yourself and your loved ones safe from harm with these doable tips. Taking such exhaustive measures might feel excessive, but as with everything else, prevention is better than cure. For emergencies, call the National Emergency Hotline at 911, or the Philippine Red Cross at 143.

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How to Teach Children About Fire Safety

People take every precaution necessary to ensure that their households are protected from every possible danger, most especially a fire. But how do parents teach children at an early age the importance of fire safety?

Top LPG provider Solane offers these tips on how to teach kids fire safety.

Flammable materials are not toys. A good way to keep children from accidentally starting a fire is not to let them play with objects that may cause a spark. Make sure all lighters and matches are out of their reach. More importantly, make them understand that even if these items are within reach, they are not toys and they should not play with them.

Have your own fire drills and prepare emergency plans. Make sure your kids know where the fire exits, extinguishers and alarms are. Teach your children what to do when a fire breaks out.  Map a escape route, mark all possible exits for every room in the house and make sure the children have them memorized. In case of a fire, identify a meeting point outside your home. Tell the children to remain in that place once they are out of danger so you would know where everybody is and would not have to worry about someone being left behind.

Stay low and make a quick exit. Teach children to stay low and close to the ground where there is less smoke when they are inside a room filled with fumes. They should then crawl their way to safety.

Stop, drop and roll. Remind children not to panic and run when their clothes catch fire to prevent the flames from spreading. Show them how to stop, drop and roll to extinguish the flames.

Know the emergency numbers. Teach your kids how to dial the numbers for emergency services and to call for help in case of an emergency. Keep those numbers close to the telephone for easy access. Teach the kids to speak in a calm, clear voice to avoid confusion.

Keep fire hazards away from children. Kids are naturally curious and will want to explore whatever they find interesting. Advise them to avoid playing with anything electrical, such as sockets and wires.

Practice these tips until they become second nature to everyone in the household. For more information, check out Solane’s website, solane.com.ph.