In the world of uncertainty we find ourselves in, global warming, famine and pestilence, horrendous wars with frightening consequences, it is imperative we should all be aware of what we could be faced with and have contingency preparations. Plan ahead – it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark!
Ensure you have adequate Home Building and Contents Insurance. At this moment in time do you and your family have ‘Grab Bags’ in case you have to move out quickly? In case of severe flooding etc. And again, does your household have a ‘Fire Plan’ and do your children who are old enough understand this? Does your ‘Fire Plan’ take into account the needs of the oldest and youngest, or disabled persons? Are you aware of the main fire hazards in the home and the characteristics and effects of fire, it’s spread. Fire is black, it is not light, expect not to see. Are your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in good order and tested frequently, are they situated correctly installed to optimise quickly detecting smoke, heat and carbon monoxide gas and alarm you soonest. What type of fire distinguisher(s) do you have, where are they located, how old are they, have they been checked and serviced and do you know how to operate and use them correctly and safely? Is your fire blanket in the kitchen located safely conspicuously where it can be quickly grabbed for instant use and do you know how to apply it correctly and safely? Do you know where your public utilities controls are located?
When persons are on oxygen therapy at home, they and everyone else must be aware of the high risk of fire: smoking and any naked flames or anything that creates sparks is a total no no.
Similarly, everyone should be aware that skin emollients are paraffin based and can become flammable and can be ignited by friction sparks when certain types of bedding are used, e.g. nylon sheets. Electric blankets are also a risk.
In the event of a gas leak, your evacuation drill differs from fire evacuation drill. With a fire evacuation drill you close all the doors en route to your place of ultimate safety outside and clear of the building.
When evacuating because of a gas leak, you leave all windows and doors open to enable the explosion blast to disseminate and lessen building collapse. Also, you do not operate any electrical equipment or light switches to cut the risk of spark explosion. In this case, the assembly point place of safety must be well clear of the building beyond the protection of another building if possible, to avoid being caught in any blast effect if there is an explosion.
The same procedure applies if you are evacuating a building where a ‘Bomb Threat’ warning has been issued!
Electrically powered mobility devices such as cycles, scooters and mobility scooters for the disabled can pose a fire and explosion risk which is severe in the first instance, if the lithium-ion batteries are not cared for, overcharged or damaged in any way. All members of the household must be made aware of this. These batteries which are portable and can be detached from the appliance for recharging are causing concern to many, including the fire services authorities, insurance companies, care homes and persons who reside in homes of multiple occupation.
These lithium-ion batteries should not be recharged in the home (especially at night) but preferably in an outbuilding such as a shed or detached garage.
If these batteries are damaged in the outer casing they should be replaced. They should never be overcharged because of the aforementioned; they can be prone to ‘thermal runaway’ which is rapid overheating, fire and multiple explosions with frightening force and fire can quickly spread to nearby combustible materials. These fires are extremely difficult to extinguish by the lay person – almost impossible, in fact.
Always comply strictly with the manufacturer’s guidelines on the care and use of the batteries. The same applies to mobile phones. Whereas war and terrorist hostilities are taking place in the world, they may be remote from you but it’s prudent and astute to realise that, God forbid, if nuclear, chemical or biological weapons were unleashed, you can still be affected in many ways, e.g. nuclear fallout can travel hundreds of miles if not more, while biological and chemical agents will apart from other effects contaminate food crops and water supplies as will nuclear fallout. Movement of goods, food stocks and other supplies would be severely restricted or destroyed. Not wishing to frighten the life out of anyone, just being realistic, even though it may never happen if the world comes to its senses!
Coming back to resilience in the home, we should all consider and action the following points. Alternatively, we could all live in bliss with heads in the sand and hope for the best; it’s your choice!
Food stocks and other essentials are wise to have ready at home for any eventuality. Ideally, canned and dehydrated foods which have longevity: tinned meats, fish, vegetables and fruits. Flour, cooking oil, condiments and as much bottled water as you can store. Dried fruit, e.g. sultanas, dates, currants. Chocolate, hard-boiled fruit drop sweets. Sugar, tea, coffee, long-life milk, rice, including tinned rice pudding, canned and dehydrated soup powder, alcoholic drinks, brandy, wine, beer. Hygiene supplies – soap, sanitary supplies, detergent, bleach powder and in liquid form.
Dental hygiene products, medication you need, paracetamol, ibuprofen. Other items you need or crave. The above list is not exhaustive and you may not need it all.
Other creature comforts for survival in extreme weather conditions, e.g. ponchos are superb to wear over warm clothing, as they give total protection against rain and provide cold-wind protection.
Battery-powered radios are a must together with plenty of spare batteries for these and other devices such as flashlights. Of course, storage space could be a problem (as well as the cost of providing). All items should be kept in dry, cool locations where possible and safeguarded against vermin.
The above supplies are essential in case you are holed up in the home for days or weeks.
In circumstances where you have to rapidly vacate the home because it has become unsafe to remain, it is vital that each family member preferably have their own ‘Grab Bag’ to take with them, the contents of which should be loaded with immediate everyday essentials for alleviating any hardships faced, such as 48-hour ration pack, spare underwear and clothing, medications and bottled water. The larger the ‘Grab Bag’ the better. Think about this? What would you endeavour to have ready and loaded in yours?
Of course, not everything is essential, but most of it is. You will decide what your requirements are. Over to you!
Why did I write this feature on House Safety? It was because of my background of a lifetime in fire protection; safety and resilience in the home is one of my passions. I have always felt that more emphasis should be put in this direction. Surely safety, like charity begins at home.
I do hope readers find what I have written thought provoking and you will now review your safe, well and resilience plans in your abode.
About the Author
Robert James served 13 years in the RAF Fire and Rescue Service and two years with the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Defence and Civil Aviation as an operational Chief Fire Officer and instructor. He has also worked in the NHS as a Fire Safety Adviser, and in private sector healthcare for over 40 years.
You must be logged in to post a comment.