Household Safety: Keeping your home warm and your insurance on track.
Winter in South Africa brings its challenges, especially when it comes to staying warm and safe. As temperatures drop, it is crucial to prioritise effective heating methods, while also being mindful of fire safety.
While heating options like fitted fireplaces, gas heaters, and portable units can provide much-needed warmth during winter, they come with safety considerations that should not be overlooked.
For those with old fireplaces, it is essential to have them inspected and cleaned regularly by a professional. This can help prevent chimney fires and ensure proper ventilation. When it comes to gas fireplaces, users should be aware that there are strict regulations regarding installation and maintenance.
Portable heaters often pose risks if left unattended. A simple reminder to turn off heaters before leaving a room, can prevent potential disasters. Some modern heaters come with built-in safety features, like automatic shut-off systems, which can provide extra peace of mind.
Finally, it is wise to review your insurance coverage to ensure that any heating equipment used is accounted for. Some policies may offer reduced premiums for homes that have up-to-date fire safety measures in place. Checking the fine print can also reveal whether certain heating methods require additional coverage.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993, requires gas installations to have a certificate of conformity, to ensure safety and leak-free operation. Cutting costs by not using a certified installer, may lead to financial consequences in the long term.
Failure to produce a certificate could result in insurance claims being denied, in case of fire damage. The Act specifies rules for storing gas tanks, such as distances from doors, windows, drains, and property boundaries. Hiring a qualified installer ensures compliance with these regulations and will also go a long way, should you need to claim. A compliant installation could be the difference between a fire claim being paid out or not.
One of the certificates that will need to be issued is a valid Electrical Certificate of Compliance (ECOC), which can be issued by a certified electrician. This inspection will check that all electrical installations including plug points, light fittings, DB board, electric oven, and visible wiring, are correctly installed and in working order.
These features would be insured under Home Contents, so if you are considering purchasing additional heaters, factor replacement cost into your overall cover. If you are installing a fireplace, this would fall under your building insurance policy. You will not need to specify your fireplace, but the cost to rebuild should go into your sum insured, and you will need compliance certificates, particularly if you install a gas-powered fireplace.
Ricardo Coetzee, Head of Auto & General Insurance previously shared safety tips, that can help prevent winter warmth from turning into a chilly catastrophe.
Trust the pros: Beyond just ensuring devices are SABS-approved, consider hiring certified professionals for annual inspections. For example, a licensed technician can check a gas heater setup not only for compliance but also to identify potential hazards, such as improper ventilation.
Wire and pipe check: Regularly inspect your gas lines for any signs of wear and tear. A simple twist of the connection can reveal leaks, so it is wise to use a mixture of soap and water to check for bubbling, indicating a gas leak.
Light first, gas second: A common practice is to always light the match first when using a gas stove, to avoid backfires that can occur if the gas is turned on first.
Smoke smart: Installing a smoke detector in every bedroom, and ensuring they are tested monthly, can save lives.
Arm’s reach: Familiarise yourself with how to use a fire extinguisher through practice. Consider taking a short session on fire safety, that teaches you how to operate an extinguisher effectively.
Emergency plan: Create a clear emergency plan, that includes escape routes from your home, especially if you use gas heaters. Regularly review this plan with your family, so everyone knows what to do in case of an emergency.