المملكة: Protect your family from summer fires… Maintenance is the solution

Fires that took place across the Kingdom, causing 10 deaths and 4 injuries, brought home safety back to the forefront, and specialists warned of the “silent killer,” stressing the importance of smoke detectors and preventive maintenance as the first line of defense for lives.
The competent authorities began investigating the circumstances of the recent accident in preparation for announcing its official results. Meanwhile, specialists confirmed to Al-Youm that most fire victims are not killed by direct fire, but are killed by rising smoke.

Important recommendations

Experts presented a package of recommendations to reduce house fires, foremost among which is the necessity of installing smoke detectors in corridors and bedrooms, and stressed the importance of conducting careful periodic inspection of electrical extensions and breakers to avoid sudden calls.
The recommendations included a warning against loading electrical subscribers with loads exceeding their maximum carrying capacity. The specialists called for full commitment to maintaining air conditioners and water heaters in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions, in addition to preparing a home evacuation plan and practicing it regularly.

The silent killer

In this regard, safety and risk management advisor Dr. Muhammad Darwish Zamzami confirmed to Al-Youm that these tragic accidents necessitate investment in prevention before disasters occur. He explained that smoke is considered the “silent killer” because it causes a person to lose consciousness within a few minutes.

Dr. Zamzami added that having an efficiently working smoke detector gives the family precious minutes that may make the real difference in saving lives. He pointed out that safety begins from within the home through continuous monitoring of installations and avoiding excessive loads.

Shared responsibility

The safety advisor pointed out the need to ensure the safety of air conditioners and water heaters, and to prepare an evacuation plan for all family members to practice. He concluded his speech by emphasizing that “prevention is a shared responsibility and not just an option.”
While Facilities Management Consultant Engineer Haitham Al-Ahmadi explained that the concept of modern facilities management is based on preventing risks before they occur. He explained to Al-Youm that most fires are preceded by technical indicators that can be detected early when a regular maintenance program is implemented.

Engineer Al-Ahmadi added that periodic inspection of panels and testing of smoke detectors contributes significantly to reducing the possibility of fires. He stressed that preventive maintenance represents a real investment that protects lives and ensures the sustainability of buildings, and is not just an additional cost.