Abu Dhabi - Fire is something that breaks out suddenly and can spread to the entire house in a matter of seconds.
Published: Wed 3 Oct 2018, 7:00 PM
Last updated: Wed 3 Oct 2018, 9:38 PM
Many houses and villas in Abu Dhabi still have no fire alarm systems despite calls from authorities to install the devices to help prevent fire incidents.
Mohammed Al Mutawa, CEO of AlSaher.me, a security and safety management facility firm in Abu Dhabi, said he has observed that most of the old houses and villas in Abu Dhabi Island have no fire alarms for detecting smoke and fire.
"Fire alarm systems can only be found in residential buildings because it's mandatory for the owners to install the fire detectors there," he said.
"Also some new residential compounds have fire alarm systems. But in most of the old houses and villas, there are no fire alarm systems, which is very dangerous because it poses a risk to people's safety."
Al Mutawa made the comments following the death of eight members of an Emirati family, including three women and five children, who suffocated after a major fire that broke up in their home located in Baniyas area of Abu Dhabi.
Khaleej Times had earlier visited several villa compounds in Mohammed Bin Zayed (MBZ) city, especially those shared by families, and found that there were no fire extinguishers and fire alarms installed in the houses. Several villas on Al Muroor Road area along Al Walah Street, for instances, had no fire extinguishers or fire alarms installed inside.
Government support
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, had in January this year ordered to link fire-specific early warning systems featuring indoor sirens in all homes of UAE nationals, following the horrific incident in which a mother lost her seven children in a house fire in Fujairah.
Sheikh Mohammed also stated that households that could not afford the smoke detectors would have it installed at the government's expense.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) said it had also launched a new system 'Hasantak' for detecting fires and smoke in a fast and smart way.
Make it mandatory for all
Al Mutawa said it is good thing if authorities put in place strict laws that make it mandatory for all houses, villas and buildings to have fire alarm systems for protection of people's lives.
"Installing fire alarm systems or smoke detectors in homes is the only way we can protect ourselves from fire," said the expert.
"Fire is something that breaks out suddenly and can spread to the entire house in a matter of seconds. But if there is something to alert us immediately when it has just started, it's easy for the older people to take the children out of the house on an immediate basis and then inform the police and civil defence who can come and control the fire, before it has caused a lot of damage to the properties.
"It's everyone's responsibility to protect their lives. People should endeavour to safeguard their homes by installing fire alarms or fire detectors in their houses to alert and wake them up in case a fire breaks out," said Al Mutawa.
How to keep your home fire safe
>Make sure there is a fire extinguisher available in your apartment or in all floors of a villa. More importantly, know how to use them.
>Have a smoke detector in every room. Make sure the batteries are regularly changed and that they work properly.
>Don't overload electrical plugs. Always assure that electrical appliances are properly functioning to avoid short circuits
>Never store flammable materials in your room or apartment or balconies
>Clean your stove regularly to avoid accumulation of grease
>Always switch off the gas cylinder after cooking
>Replace cords that are cracked or frayed
>Keep doorways, corridors and staircases clear and unobstructed
>Practise a fire drill for your family twice a year
What to do in case of a fire?
>Immediately pull the nearest fire alarm. Once clear from the danger, inform the fire brigade immediately
>Take any fire alarm seriously and leave the building immediately. Don't waste time in collecting your belongings
>In case the fire just started, try to douse it by using a fire extinguisher
>When evacuating the building, before opening the door make sure that there is no danger of a fire on the other side
>If there is smoke in the air, stay low on the ground and crawl to the nearest exit
>Do close the doors behind you if it is safe to leave the room
>Don't use the elevator when leaving the building. Always use the staircase
>Do take note of your neighbours and ensure that they are also evacuated
ismail@khaleejtimes.com
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