10 Tips for preventing fire-related accidents on your farm

Electricity is a delicate resource; use it unwisely and you risk having to deal with an unexpected fire. Responsible use of electricity, along with meaningful safety measures, can minimise instances of fire-danger significantly.

Most electrical fires and incidents can be prevented through regular maintenance and inspections on electrical frameworks and its application.

Here are 10 tips to help you prevent a fire from breaking out:

1. Remember that wall sockets and power points have limited electrical capacity; overloading these electrical sources are guaranteed to damage components through overheating and can easily lead to the breakout of a fire.
2. Keep your electric distribution boards clean and prevent the build-up of dust or foreign material.
3. Only ever use extension cords as a temporary solution and not a permanent fixture. And do not run power cords under rugs, carpets, or furniture.
4. Do not ignore loose connections, faulty switches, indicators of overheating, frayed or damaged electrical cables, circuit breakers tripping inexplicably, or instruments and appliances that shock you.
5. Take the simple action of testing your earth leakage circuit breaker about once every month. This basic step will alert you to a problem area that could have easily been avoided.
6. Take care to have suitable fire extinguishers and fire blankets at the ready so that in the case of an electrical fire, you are ready to take action and quash it before it becomes uncontrollable.
7. Ensure that power sources are switched off during a power cut of any kind, as appliances that are left on during an outage can cause trouble when the power returns.
8. When drilling holes into the wall, take care to note where power cables run to avoid a nasty surprise.
9. Make sure that the connections of all power tools you use are safe and protected. Under no circumstances should these kinds of tools be used in wet or damp conditions.
10. Make sure that any candles are secured in sturdy candle holders so that they do not get knocked over. Take note of where you place your candles to avoid hazards, and never leave them unattended.

When it comes to protecting yourself against the outbreak of a fire, most of the power lies in your hands. Your preventative efforts can be the difference between another productive day and a nightmare of lost and damaged assets. You should also consider the benefits of fire insurance and how it minimises the losses and damages incurred during the outbreak of a fire. Contact one of our brokers today to see what protection best suits your circumstances.

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This article is a general information sheet and should not be used or relied upon as professional advice. No liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions nor for any loss or damage arising from reliance upon any information herein. Always contact your financial adviser for specific and detailed advice. Errors and omissions excepted (E&OE)