Faulty water heaters may cause home fires
CIVIL DEFENCE ADVISES SWITCHING OFF APPLIANCES AFTER USE
Major home fire incidents during winter are caused by misuse of electrical appliances such as water heaters, which people sometimes leave on continuously, an Abu Dhabi Civil Defence official said.
Overheated electrical appliances spark fires through short circuits leading to lifethreatening situations.
Speaking to Gulf News on the sidelines of the Aqdar World Summit in the capital, Mohammad Ali Al Marzouqi, a firefighter at Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, said: “In many cases of winter fires, the civil defence found out that the household switched on a water heater, but forgot to turn it off after use. Overheating caused a short circuit.”
Leaving water heaters on continuously, not cleaning build-up of oil deposits in exhaust fans, installing electrical appliances randomly and storing LPG cylinders near flammable sources are the cause of most fire incidents at home, Al Marzouqi said.
“Now, we are in the winter season when water heaters are used frequently. Water heaters automatically get switched off, but sometimes a malfunction may prevent this from happening. As a precaution, turn them off after use,” he said.
Water heaters also consume a lot of electricity as well so using them wisely will save on the electricity bill, he said.
Al Marzouqi advised residents to install and utilise electrical appliances properly to prevent fires.
Exhaust fans
He also urged residents to take precautions in the kitchen. In most fire incidents, flames start in the kitchen because of leaking gas cylinders, inappropriate use of electrical ■ equipment or heavy deposit of grease in exhaust fans.
“A lot of oil particles mixed with dust get deposited on the electric motor and wings of exhaust fans in the kitchen during cooking. When the deposit gets heavy, it can catch a fire with the smallest spark,” Al Marzouqi said.
A Civil Defence stall at the Aqdar World Summit raised awareness for students, youngsters, families and visitors about fire safety at home, buildings, villas and desert camping.