According to the Fire & Rescue Department in its press statement on Sunday Star, 8th May, 2011, they had received 55,529 emergency reports this year compared to 56,643 reported the year before.
Of the 55,529 reports, 29,333 were categorised as fire cases, which saw a decrease of 0.25% compared to 2009. Rescue cases also saw a decrease of 4.63% from 24,669 to 29,341.
The department also saved RM 16.32 billion worth of property in fire cases last year, an increase of 61% compared to 2009 where RM10.36 billion were saved.
There were 17% increase in deaths (with 89 fatalities) due to fires in households and much can be attributed to the lack of basic awareness of fire safety.
The use of unsuitable electrical appliances, excessive use of flexible cords and overloaded socket points, children playing with fire, oil lamp (for altars) placed at precarious position, lighted mosquitos coil, use of paraffin lamp, carelessly discarded lighted cigarette butts, fire from gas stove etc are common hazards found in households.
Perhaps every household should be equipped with fire extinguishers and smoke detectors so that the occupants would be prepared to deal with any fire related incident.
Every household should also purchase a Houseowner/Householders Insurance which will compensate them for (i) loss or damage to the building/contents caused by fire and lightning as well as other special perils in the form of flood, storm, impact, explosion, aircraft damage etc (ii) theft of household goods (iii) death of Insured caused by fire or theft (iv) legal liability for injury or damage to property belonging to third party arising from the occupancy of the property (iv) loss of rental (v) property temporary removed etc
Minimum premium for such insurance is RM60.00 excluding stamp duty
