WAYS TO PREVENT FIRES
Friday, November 3, 1972
The possibility of fires breaking out has now increased with the
advent of cooler and dryer weather.
To remind residents of fire hazards, a warning system comparable
to that of typhoons has been introduced by the Fire Services Department.
However, a Fire Services spokesman said residents themselves must
take an active part to prevent fire outbreak.
He said some 42 per cent of the fires in Hong Kong are caused by
the indiscriminate disposal of lighted cigarette ends, matches and joss sticks.
These fires can easily be prevented with a little more care, he added.
Another 18 per cent are sparked off by faults in electrical equipment
and appliances, which is the second major cause of fires, and the number of
such outbreaks is continually increasing.
In most cases, such faults can easily be traced
-
either the wires
were improperly installed in the first place or incorrect fuses fitted, or they
were worn out but not replaced. "Hong Kong's climatic conditions take a hard
toll on all electrical equipment", the spokesman said.
It may also be that the wiring was altered without the advice of a
qualified electrician, or the output sockets were subject to serious overloading
due to several adaptors being fitted.
Fires are also caused by improper maintenance of kerosene stoves, by
naked flames being exposed near inflammable substances, and by sparks from
faulty engines and electric motors.
Housewives
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