Let’s protect our homes, businesses and environment from fire-related disasters this winter

The winter months in South Africa are commonly associated with a heightened risk of fire-related incidents in various communities. This increase is due mainly to the significant drop in temperatures, prompting many households to consider various heating methods to keep their families warm. At the same time, the cold, dry conditions create an environment conducive to wildfires due to a lack of rain during the season. The impact of these fires can lead to devastating outcomes, ranging from loss of life, human displacement, health risks (from burns and smoke inhalation) and business interruptions caused by home or business fires. Open-air or veld fires may also destroy vegetation, livestock, and damage infrastructure.

In light of this, the SAIA African Insurance Association (SAIA) would like to remind South Africans of both the personal and financial impact that fire-related incidents can have. SAIA encourages individuals and businesses to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to reduce fire hazards and protect their families, property, and livelihoods. For many households, the significant threats that cause residential fires include using unmonitored heating devices such as home open fires, gas and electrical heaters and electrical blankets. These risks are often exacerbated by electrical faults resulting from poor maintenance or overloading systems and appliances. On the other hand, wildfires and veldfires are caused mainly by human error, either through efforts to stay warm or burning dry, overgrown vegetation for visibility or safety reasons.

Themba Palagangwe, General Manager: Governance and Transformation at the South African Insurance Association (SAIA), states: ‘’Recent reports have shown increases in fire-related incidents and insurance claims. This underscores the urgent need for South African households, communities, and businesses to unite and collaborate to prevent winter fire incidents. This is essential for preserving the quality of life and reducing financial strain for individuals and businesses”.

In the fight to reduce and prevent fire incidents this winter, SAIA urges households and businesses to take these simple and practical steps to safeguard themselves against unforeseen fire incidents, many of which are preventable.

Keeping your home/business fireproof during winter: Heating devices and electrical faults

• Monitor your use of electrical devices such as heaters and electrical blankets, always including their placements around the home.
• Regularly inspect and service heating appliances for optimal safety and efficiency.
• Always switch off heaters before going to bed or leaving the house.
• Avoid leaving your electrical blanket switched on for extended periods. Also, switch it off and keep it unplugged when not in use.
• Avoid overloading electrical sockets; always use a qualified electrician for your electrical work and installations.
• Regularly inspect and maintain electrical wiring using qualified electricians.
• Address signs of electrical issues, such as flickering lights, tripping circuit breakers, or burning smells from outlets or appliances.
• If possible, install smoke detectors and keep fire extinguishers for fire alerts

Taking due care: Preventing wildfire and veldfire hazards in our surroundings:

• Clear dry vegetation around properties to create defensible spaces.
• Adhere to local fire bans and regulations, avoiding open flame or spark-causing activities.
• Stay informed and prepared, including developing community emergency action plans.
• Always monitor your fire activities and ensure all flames are out before leaving the area with fire.
• Always report unmonitored open fires to local authorities and community emergency forums.

For added peace of mind, SAIA encourages households and businesses to contact their insurer or broker for suitable non-life insurance products that cover fire. This can serve as a good risk transfer mechanism in the event of a fire-related incident that leads to damage and/or loss of valuable assets such as your home, home contents, vehicle, or business property. Always review your insurance cover for appropriateness and advise your insurers of any changes that may impact your insurance cover. Lastly, keep your insurance premiums up-to-date to maintain uninterrupted protection.

“Winter should be a season of warmth and comfort, not one marked by tragedy and loss. Therefore, we encourage all South Africans to take the necessary steps to prevent fire outbreaks in their homes, businesses, and environments,” says Themba Palagangwe. “By staying informed, implementing safety measures, and ensuring that insurance cover is up to date, we can avoid the devastating financial and emotional consequences of fire-related incidents. Together, we can protect our homes, families, and future this winter.”