What To Do in the Case of Fire

One of the unpleasant side effects of global warming is the increased incidence of fire, and each season large tracts of wilderness and abutting farmland in Australia, California and South Africa are literally wiped out by blazing infernos. Apart from the obvious loss of livestock and crops, these bushfires often destroy homes and the people who live in them.

In regions like the Western Cape where, during the height of summer, the indigenous bush becomes tinder-box dry, fires are a regular occurrence and home owners, especially with dwellings close to the mountain, should take extra care, as well as beefing up their existing fire insurance with reputable insurance brokers.

South Africa has been plagued by a number of deadly fires

South Africa, in particular, has been plagued by a number of runaway and consequently deadly fires in the business community, with the so-called Paarl Printing blaze clearly one of the most vicious. Flammable chemicals fanned the flames, leading to the partial destruction of the business premises, premises that have since been condemned. But it was the inordinate loss of life, with 12 deaths in total that was the most shocking and costly to both the families of the deceased and the business community as a whole.

Without adequate business insurance, it is likely the company would have had to close its doors for good. It has been estimated that it will take at least 18 months to rebuild the premises, a time period that would have had disastrous results had the business not been properly insured, particularly the Business Interruption (Reduction in Turnover) aspect.

Have a workable ‘fire plan’ in place

With increased prevalence of both wild fires and ‘commercial’ fires, home and business owners and their families are advised to have a workable ‘fire plan’ in place, should the worst case scenario occur. ‘Be prepared’ is an adage particularly relevant in the case of fire.

• Always have an escape plan and make sure it is kept clear of clutter.


• Have a regular fire drill, particularly in the business scenario where there are generally a number of people to safeguard. Make sure everyone understands their role in the event of fire.


• Remain as calm as possible and sound the alarm immediately – speed in this instance could save lives.


• Smoke inhalation is one of the biggest killers, so if there is a lot of smoke around, drop down onto the floor and try to crawl under it.


• Always check the temperature of any door before opening. A hot or warm door will generally indicate a fire behind it.


• Try and remember to switch off all appliances and shut the door once everyone has been evacuated as this can contain the fire.


• Make sure all important documentation – wills, birth certificates, ID books, passports, insurance policies, receipts or proof of purchase of more expensive luxury items, tax certificates etc. – are held in a fireproof safe on the premises.


• Do not go back onto the premises to ‘rescue’ expensive items, adequate personal insurance will generally cover the loss.


• Be aware of the terms of the insurance policy, take photographs as evidence of the damage and submit your claim immediately.

Chadwicks Risk & Insurance Brokers in South Africa is an independent short term insurance intermediary specialising in risk treatment and insurance solutions.

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