[Opinion] Residential Fire Safety Equipment Protects Our Family's Lives and Property

Kim Chang-hyun, Head of Prevention and Public Relations Team, Gangjin Fire Station

Chief of Prevention and Public Relations Team, Gangjin Fire Station, Kim Chang-hyun ⓒ Asia Economy

A home is a refuge where the whole family can rest, escaping the cold and the hardships of life. As the weather gets colder and the use of heating products increases, and with more time spent at home due to COVID-19, the risk of residential fires has also risen.

According to data from the Fire Agency, out of 37,023 total fires last year, about 27.7% (10,261 cases) were residential fires, and among the 285 total fatalities, approximately 62.8% (179 people) died in residential fires.

This indicates the danger of residential fires occurring when people are careless, such as when everyone is asleep or away from the kitchen while cooking.

Residential fires can be caused by various factors including electrical facilities, use of heating appliances, and cooking with open flames. To prevent such residential fires, it is essential to install ‘residential fire safety equipment.’

‘Residential fire safety equipment’ refers to fire extinguishers and standalone smoke detectors, which must be installed mandatorily in all single-family and multi-family homes except apartments and dormitories.

Home fire extinguishers should be placed in a visible location with at least one per household or floor, and standalone smoke detectors must be installed in every compartmented room.

When ‘residential fire safety equipment’ is installed, the standalone smoke detector quickly alerts occupants to a fire, and the home fire extinguisher can be used to suppress the fire in its early stages.

Let’s follow the rule of ‘1 (per household) 1 (or more fire extinguishers and fire alarms) 9 (prepared).’ ‘Residential fire safety equipment’ is the simplest and most reliable protector of our family’s lives and property.

Kangjin = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Yong-su kys86120@asiae.co.kr