Explore why fire safety is crucial for every household in Singapore.
In Singapore, fires often seem like a distant concern. However, a recent surge in HDB fires in May should serve as a wake-up call. One tragic incident in Bedok North claimed the lives of three individuals, including a three-year-old child.
The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) reported a 6.9% decrease in total fires in the first four months of 2022, down from 364 to 369 incidents compared to the previous year. While these statistics might create a false sense of security, it’s important to remember that the impact of fires cannot be measured by frequency alone.
Fires affect everyone, but those in lower-income brackets often feel the consequences more acutely. Residents of smaller, more densely packed rental flats face higher risks, as the close proximity of units allows small fires to escalate quickly. Larger families living in these cramped spaces are particularly vulnerable, as the accumulation of electrical appliances and daily necessities increases the chances of a fire starting. It’s unjust that these families must bear the brunt of potential tragedies caused by the everyday demands of life.
Acknowledging Fire Risks
Nur Ilham Bin Ismail, a 39-year-old safety-conscious resident of a 3-room resale flat, emphasizes the importance of fire safety. “People often become complacent,” he says. “It’s not enough to just turn everything off when you leave home. Remembering to do that every single time is impossible.”
With a newly acquired 4-room BTO flat, Norzulaiha Bte Sapari, 31, shares her anxiety about household fires, especially since she has asthma. “The smoke can trigger my asthma attacks,” she explains. “When I have children at home, I worry about their safety during a fire and the potential challenges of evacuating elderly family members.”
Advocating for Fire Extinguishers
One straightforward solution to prevent fires is to have fire extinguishers readily available at home. Fires can start small, but with the right tools, they can be extinguished before they escalate.
Zahir Latif, 38, who lives in a 3-room BTO-resale flat, insists on the necessity of a fire extinguisher. “With many of us working from home, it’s crucial to realize that fires can occur at any time, especially when we’re not paying attention,” he states. “When a fire breaks out, every second counts. Having a fire extinguisher is vital.”
While some view fire extinguishers as outdated or cumbersome, Zulaiha has changed her perspective. “I used to think they were inconvenient because of the maintenance. Now, I see them as essential for my safety,” she says.
Modern aerosol spray fire extinguishers are lightweight and user-friendly, available for as little as S$8.85 online. However, for some families, even this cost can be prohibitive. This highlights the need for a nationwide initiative to distribute fire extinguishers, similar to past efforts with masks and ART kits.
Making Fire Safety a Priority
With over 1.09 million HDB households recorded in 2021, providing each home with a fire extinguisher would cost approximately S$9 million—a small price compared to the S$130 million spent on CDC vouchers.
Ilham suggests that government agencies should not only run fire safety campaigns but also ensure that fire safety equipment is more affordable. “Distributing free fire extinguishers would relieve financial burdens for low-income families who cannot afford one,” he explains.
The presence of a fire extinguisher can minimize damage during a fire and act as a constant reminder for families to prioritize fire safety. Despite HDB units being designed according to SCDF fire safety codes, the damage from a fire can be devastating, affecting not just the unit but also neighboring ones due to smoke and water damage.
To ensure fire safety is top of mind, it’s essential to foster better fire safety habits that could ultimately reduce household fires. While fires do not discriminate in their destruction, they often highlight the disparity between those who can recover and those who cannot. Given their proven effectiveness, fire extinguishers should be as common in homes as any other household appliance.
Installing Fire Alarms
In addition to distributing fire extinguishers, installing fire alarms in HDB blocks is a practical solution to enhance fire safety. An effective fire alarm can alert occupants and mitigate damage.
Since June 2018, new residential estates in Singapore are required to install Home Fire Alarm Devices (HFAD), which automatically detect smoke and heat to warn residents. These devices cost around S$80, with replacement batteries costing about S$40 and a lifespan of up to 10 years.
Zulaiha feels reassured knowing her new flat includes a smoke detector. “My current flat is old and cluttered, with no smoke detectors, which can be frightening. The alarm in my new flat offers peace of mind,” she says.
To further support fire safety, the SCDF has rolled out an HFAD assistance scheme for HDB public rental flats, although installation remains non-mandatory.
While it’s crucial to allow residents to make choices about their homes, fire safety measures should not be optional. Smoke detectors and fire alarms save lives and serve as the first line of defense against fires.
Educating the Public
One recurring issue highlighted in recent fire reports is the presence of clutter that obstructs exits. While these situations might seem like mere inconveniences, they become hazardous during fires.
As a social worker, Zulaiha often encounters elderly clients living in cluttered homes. “During home visits, I talk to them about fire safety and help clear their belongings to create a safe exit route,” she explains. Unfortunately, many of these homes lack fire extinguishers.
Fires often feel distant until tragedy strikes. This pattern underscores the need for improved education on fire safety to prevent such incidents. Increased inspections by government officials and more block-wide fire safety drills could help raise awareness.
As Singapore’s economy becomes increasingly globalized, the rise of online shopping has made affordable yet potentially unsafe gadgets readily available. The Consumer Product Safety Office emphasizes the importance of safety marks on appliances to prevent fire hazards.
Neglecting to check for safety certifications can have dire consequences. Recent fire incidents have demonstrated the devastating impact of fires, which can occur in seconds and cause irreversible damage to lives and property.
Zulaiha now recognizes the importance of having a fire extinguisher at home. “Initially, I thought they were a hassle to maintain, but now I see their value in ensuring safety,” she concludes.
