Know The Surviving a House Fire And Safety Tips in UAE

Do you know what to do in case of a house fire in the UAE? Nearly 3,000 fire incidents were reported in Dubai in 2022, which is 3% higher than in 2021. The UAE has seen a significant rise in several residential fires. Hence, knowing what to do and doing it when there’s a fire can save a lot of lives. While living in the UAE offers thrills and breath taking views, navigating tall buildings during emergencies can be challenging. If there’s a fire at your place, you will have around 3-4 minutes to help yourself before the smoke becomes unsurvivable. Learn how to escape a fire emergency, and make sure you are familiar with all the steps and tips to know what to do at that time. Knowing how to prevent house fires in the UAE can make a world of difference in protecting yourself and your loved ones. Discover essential fire safety tips UAE, including building fire safety regulations, prevention techniques, and what to do in case of a house fire. Learn about key safety essentials and guidelines to ensure your family’s well-being.

UAE Fire Safety Landscape: Rules & Regulations

The UAE takes fire safety seriously by implementing strict safety regulations outlined in the UAE Fire and Life Safety Code of Practice. These regulations cover building design, construction materials, fire alarm systems, evacuation plans, and fire extinguisher requirements. Familiarising yourself with these regulations can ensure your home adheres to safety standards and minimises fire risks. The new regulations enforced by the Dubai Civil Defence Group have recently announced the implementation and measure of new fire safety tips UAE. These new guidelines are based on international practices aiming to reduce the risk of fire:

• • All new, existing, residential, and commercial buildings require fire-resistant cladding and insulation. 
  • Dubai Civil Defence will use an established building database to ensure that improved fire alarms and sprinkler systems are installed in all buildings.  

Understanding and adhering to fire safety tips UAE is crucial for every homeowner in the UAE. These regulations are designed to ensure the safety of residents and prevent devastating house fires. To conclude, compliance with these standards is not just a legal obligation but a responsible step toward safeguarding your home and loved ones.

Steps to Take in Case of Fire at Home

If a fire breaks out in your residence or building, here are some steps to keep in mind to keep you and your family safe: 

STEP 1: ALERT EVERYONE

The first step is to alert everyone in the house. You can develop a robust communication plan and ensure everyone knows the fire escape routes.

• • Raise the alarm! Shout “Fire!” loudly and persistently to wake up and alert everyone in the house.
  • Activate the fire alarm system if it is installed.

STEP 2: TRY TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE

Having a reliable fire extinguisher on hand is necessary. The UAE’s recommended fire extinguisher is rated 8100 and offers effective firefighting capabilities. Familiarise yourself with its usage and attempt to extinguish the fire if it’s safe.

• • Choose the adequate material to extinguish the fire based on the type of fire occurrence that is, the source from which the fire has occurred. 
  • Only attempt to extinguish the fire if it’s small and contained and you have a readily accessible fire extinguisher. Remember, your safety comes first!

STEP 3: EVACUATE THE HOUSE

If the fire persists or is beyond control, evacuate the house immediately. Establish clear evacuation routes and practice fire drills regularly with your family.

• • Follow your pre-determined fire escape plan in UAE. Exit the house calmly and quickly through the nearest designated escape route. Avoid using elevators in such scenarios.
  • If the smoke starts to spread, watch for the nearest exit instead of the planned one. Search for a piece of cloth to cover your face with excessive smoke. 
  • Close doors behind you to contain the fire’s spread.
  • Once outside, assemble at a designated meeting point away from the building.

STEP 4: CALL FOR HELP

In the event of a fire emergency, contact the local fire department immediately. Save the emergency number on your phone (such as 999 in the UAE) and teach your family members to do the same.

• • Call the Dubai Civil Defense emergency number 997 immediately from a safe location.
  • Provide clear information about the fire location, severity, and any trapped individuals.

Trapped Inside? Stay Calm and Act Smart

In case you are trapped inside, it’s important to remain calm and seal doors with wet towels to prevent smoke from entering. Signal for help using a flashlight or by waving a brightly coloured cloth near a window. 

• • Stay calm and assess the situation. If the escape route is clear, proceed with evacuation.
  • If the escape route is blocked by smoke or flames, find a safe room to shelter in, preferably with a door that can be closed and sealed.
  • Call for help from your sheltered location and wait for rescue.
  • Carefully follow the instructions of emergency services.

Aftermath and Recovery

Once the fire is extinguished, assess the damage and prioritise safety. Contact your insurance provider, document the damage with photos, and seek professional help for restoration.

• • Look out for the casualties and injured people.
  • Do not re-enter the house until authorised by the fire department.
  • Contact your insurance company to report the incident and initiate the claims process.
  • Arrange for temporary accommodation if your home is uninhabitable.

What If A Fire Starts In Front of You?

If you witness a house on fire, immediately call the fire department. Do not attempt to enter the building unless you’re a trained professional. Keep a safe distance and provide any valuable information to emergency responders. 

• • Call the Dubai Civil Defense emergency number 997 immediately.
  • If it’s safe to do so, warn the occupants of the burning house about the fire.
  • Do not attempt to fight the fire yourself unless you are trained and equipped.

Fireproofing Your Home: Fire Safety Essentials

Now that you know what to do in case of a house fire in the UAE, it is time to note the fire safety essentials that will help you prevent fire. 

• FIRE EXTINGUISHER

Invest in a high-rated fire extinguisher (8100 in the UAE) and place it in easily accessible locations. Regularly check its functionality and conduct training sessions for your family.

• • Choose the right fire extinguisher based on the potential fire hazards in your home.
  • Learn how to operate the extinguisher properly.
  • Ensure it’s regularly inspected and serviced.

• FIRE BLANKET 

A fire blanket is an effective tool for smothering small fires. Keep it in the kitchen and educate everyone on its proper use.

• SKYSAVER 

Consider a personal evacuation device like SkySaver for high-rise buildings. It can provide a safe exit in case of emergencies.

• BAKING SODA  

Baking soda can suppress small grease fires. It’s an effective item for extinguishing small grease or cooking oil fires. Keep a box handy and teach family members its application.

• EMERGENCY BAG 

Prepare an emergency bag with essential documents, medications, and basic supplies in case of evacuation.

• • Pack essential items like a first-aid kit, spare clothes, medications, and spare torch light in a readily accessible bag for quick evacuation.

Surviving a House Fire in UAE: Things to Do & Avoid

According to the National Fire Protection Association, 90% of fires can be prevented with proper safety measures and awareness. It also states that having a working smoke alarm can reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by 50%. But what are the other things to check that will help you in case a fire strikes at your place? Scroll down to learn more:

• • Test Your Alarms: Regularly check and test smoke alarms in your home.
  • Check Your Heating Sources: Inspect heating systems annually for safety.
  • Maintain Your ACs: Ensure proper maintenance to avoid electrical issues.
  • Put Off Unnecessary Electrical Devices: Avoid overloading electrical circuits to prevent fires.
  • Be Prepared: Have a well-thought-out fire escape plan for your family.
  • Update and Upgrade: Keep electrical systems and appliances up-to-date.
  • Adopt a Fire Safety Cabinet: Store flammable items in a secure, fire-resistant cabinet.
  • Cover Up: Safeguard electrical outlets and wiring from potential hazards.

Final Note

Remember, prevention is always better than cure! Investing in fire safety measures can significantly reduce financial losses from fire damage. According to Dubai Civil Defence, fire incidents caused AED 188 million in property damage in Dubai in 2022. Living in the UAE means enjoying a dynamic lifestyle while also prioritising safety. By understanding fire safety tips UAE, implementing preventative measures, and equipping yourself with the knowledge and tools to handle emergencies, you can significantly reduce the risk of fire and ensure the safety of yourself and your loved ones. Let’s prioritise fire safety in the UAE and work together to create a safer environment for everyone. Here’s a quick rundown of the points you must keep in mind to follow building fire safety regulations in the UAE: 

• • Familiarise yourself with UAE fire safety regulations.
  • Develop a fire escape plan for your home and practice it regularly.
  • Invest in essential fire safety equipment, like smoke alarms and fire extinguishers.
  • Educate yourself and your family about fire prevention tips.
  • Don’t hesitate to call 997 in case of a fire emergency

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