Lately, news about fires has become increasingly common, especially in urban areas like Jakarta. Fires can occur at any time and often cause significant losses, both in terms of property and human lives. The causes can be as simple as an unattended candle, an electrical short circuit, or a gas leak. That is why every home should be equipped with fire extinguishing tools to prevent fires from spreading before they get out of control.

As a Smartcitizen who cares about safety, have you equipped your home with the right devices to prevent and manage fires? Let’s get to know some essential tools that can help you be more prepared!

1. Portable Fire Extinguisher (APAR)

A portable fire extinguisher (APAR) is a must-have fire safety tool. With an APAR, you can quickly put out small fires before they spread and turn into a disaster. There are several types of APAR to choose from, depending on your needs:

• Water-based APAR – suitable for fires involving non-electrical materials like wood or paper.
• Foam-based APAR – effective for fires caused by oil or flammable liquids.
• Carbon dioxide (CO₂) APAR – ideal for fires involving electrical equipment.

Store an APAR in easily accessible locations, such as the kitchen or near electrical appliances, so you can use it immediately when needed.

2. Smoke Detector

A smoke detector or smoke alarm is an intelligent device that detects the presence of smoke in the air, usually using optical or ionization sensors. This alarm is highly effective in identifying fires at an early stage, especially when fires are still producing a lot of smoke before fully igniting.

For optimal placement, smoke alarms are best installed in areas such as living rooms, bedrooms, or any space containing flammable materials like fabric and wood. With a smoke alarm, you can take immediate action as soon as smoke is detected—even before you realize there is a fire threat.

3. Fire Sprinklers

Have you ever seen automatic firefighting systems in hotels, office buildings, or shopping malls? This technology, known as fire sprinklers, can also be installed in homes! Fire sprinklers detect high temperatures and automatically release water to control a fire before it spreads.

4. Heat Detector

Unlike smoke alarms that detect smoke, heat alarms respond to sudden temperature spikes. These devices sound an alarm when the surrounding temperature reaches a specific threshold. Since they are not sensitive to smoke, heat alarms are better suited for areas like the kitchen or garage, where smoke alarms might trigger false alerts due to cooking fumes or vehicle emissions.

5. Carbon Monoxide Detector (CO Alarm)

Fires can produce carbon monoxide, a dangerous and invisible gas. A CO alarm works using chemical or electrochemical sensors to detect even low levels of carbon monoxide in the air. If the gas reaches hazardous levels, the alarm will sound to warn occupants to seek fresh air and address the source of the leak.

Since carbon monoxide is undetectable by human senses, CO alarms are crucial, especially in homes using gas-powered appliances or enclosed garages. Ideally, these detectors should be placed near bedrooms or in areas with a risk of carbon monoxide leaks, such as the kitchen or heating rooms. With a CO alarm, the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning—which can be fatal—can be significantly reduced.

Maintenance and Inspection of Firefighting Tools

Firefighting tools are designed to protect lives and property from fire hazards. However, for these tools to function optimally when needed, regular maintenance and inspections are essential. Without proper maintenance, fire extinguishers and other devices may become faulty, lose effectiveness, or even fail during an emergency.

Standards and Regulations for Fire Equipment Maintenance

In Indonesia, fire equipment maintenance is regulated by various laws, such as Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Regulation No. PER.04/MEN/1980, which mandates APAR inspections every six months, and Indonesian National Standard (SNI) 03-3988-1995, which governs fire extinguisher testing and maintenance. Compliance with these standards ensures that fire equipment remains in optimal condition and functions correctly during a fire.

According to regulations, APAR must be regularly inspected to ensure its effectiveness. Key inspection points include:

• The expiration date of the extinguisher’s fire suppressant material.
• The pressure level, which should remain within the safe range.
• The security seal, which should be intact and not tampered with.
• The physical condition of the extinguisher, ensuring there are no leaks or rust.

If an APAR shows any issues, it must be repaired or replaced immediately to ensure reliability during emergencies.

Smoke and Heat Detector Maintenance

To function properly, both smoke and heat detectors must be tested regularly. Dust or dirt can reduce sensor sensitivity, so they should be cleaned periodically. Additionally, the batteries must be replaced as recommended by the manufacturer to prevent malfunctions.

Ensuring Fire Sprinklers Work Effectively

To keep fire sprinklers in good working condition, follow these steps:

• Ensure no blockages in the nozzle that could obstruct water flow.
• Check the water pressure in the system to ensure it remains optimal.
• Inspect for potential leaks or corrosion in the sprinkler pipes.

With regular maintenance, fire sprinklers can effectively respond to fire emergencies.

Carbon Monoxide Detector Maintenance for Air Safety

A carbon monoxide detector is essential for detecting the presence of this colorless, odorless toxic gas. To ensure its reliability, follow these maintenance steps:

• Ensure the sensor is not blocked by any objects that could interfere with gas detection.
• Replace the sensor according to the manufacturer’s lifespan recommendations.
• Perform regular functionality tests on the detector.

By adhering to applicable standards and maintaining a consistent inspection schedule, the risk of fire hazards can be minimized, and safety can be significantly improved.

How to Get Emergency Fire Assistance

If a fire becomes uncontrollable, do not hesitate to seek help immediately! Use the JAKI app for a quick response. Through the Emergency Contacts feature, you can directly call Jakarta Siaga 112. If there are victims in need of medical assistance, the Ambulance feature helps summon emergency medical services. You can also report potential fire hazards, such as illegal waste burning, through the Citizen Report feature. Don't have JAKI yet? Download it for free on Google Play Storeor Apple App Store!

With an understanding of different fire extinguishing tools and their proper use, you are not only improving your preparedness for fires but also helping to protect yourself and those around you. So, are you ready to equip your home with the right fire safety technology?