On August 13, 2024, residents of Jakarta were shocked by a fire incident in Manggarai. The fire affected 3,332 people and 1,172 households across 21 neighborhoods and 3 community units. A short circuit allegedly caused the fire while the phone was charging in one of the residents' houses. 1,016 survivors have been relocatedto the Pasar Rumput Rental Flats (Rusunawa) in South Jakarta. Social assistance, including educational aid, has been deployed by the Jakarta Provincial Government.

This incident serves as a reminder of how crucial it is to prevent house fires. With proper knowledge and preparation, fire risks can be minimized, and family safety can be maintained. Want to know how? Read this article till the end!

Preventing Fires and Minimizing Impact

Here are some important tips for Smartcitizens to prevent house fires:

1. Avoid Potential Fire Hazards

Many house fires are caused by negligence in handling flammable objects. Some fire sources to watch out for include:

• Cigarette Butts: Make sure cigarette butts are disposed of in a safe place and fully extinguished before discarding. Avoid carelessly throwing them away, especially near flammable materials like paper or cloth.
• Damaged Electrical Cables: Frayed or old cables can cause short circuits and spark fires. Regularly check the condition of cables in your home and replace them immediately if damaged.
• Overuse of Electronic Devices: Avoid plugging too many devices into one outlet. Excessive use can cause overheating and trigger fires.

2. Monitor Gas Stove Usage

Gas stoves are one of the most common household fire causes. Ensure the hose and regulator are in good condition and not leaking. Never leave cooking unattended on the stove. You can also regularly inspect gas equipment and immediately repair or replace it if there are signs of damage.

3. Store Flammable Items Safely

Items like oily rags, paint, and other chemicals should be stored safely, away from heat or fire sources. Use tightly sealed containers and place them in a cool, well-ventilated area.

4. Keep Lighters and Matches Out of Children’s Reach

Children are often curious about what they see, including lighters and matches. This can be very dangerous if not stored safely. Ensure these items are kept in high places out of children’s reach. You can also educate children about fire hazards to keep them in check.

5.  Install Smoke Detectors

Smoke detectors can provide early warnings if there are signs of fire. Ensure you install them in strategic areas like near the kitchen, bedrooms, and frequently used spaces. Don’t forget to regularly check and replace the batteries.

Additional Actions for Handling Fires

Even after taking preventive measures, you still need to be prepared in case of a fire to minimize its impact. Try implementing these steps:

1. Own and Understand the Use of a Fire Extinguisher (APAR)

Smartcitizens can keep a fire extinguisher at home, especially in the kitchen area. It is also important that you and your family members know how to use it to act quickly when a fire starts to spread.

2. Create and Share a Home Evacuation Plan

You can create an evacuation plan in case of a fire. Make sure all family members understand safe evacuation routes and know where emergency exits or windows are that can be used to get out quickly.

Always Stay Alert with the JAKI App

In emergencies, time is crucial. The Jakarta Kini(JAKI) app has an Emergency Contact feature that can be accessed in case of a fire. This feature provides shortcuts to important phone numbers such as Jakarta Siaga, Information and Number Services, PMI (Indonesian Red Cross), Police, Disaster Post, National Vigilance Post, SAR (Search and Rescue), and Poison Information Center. To access fire assistance through the Emergency Contact feature in JAKI, follow these steps:

1. Open the JAKI app. If you don’t have it, download it from Google Play Storeor Apple App Store;
2. Click "All" on the features section on the Home page;
3. Select "Emergency Contact";
4. Choose "Jakarta Siaga";

1. Click 112 to request assistance. You will be directly connected with the Jakarta Siaga team.

JAKI also provides an Ambulance feature that you can use to call for medical help if there are victims during an emergency like a fire. Follow these steps to access the feature:

1. Open the JAKI app;
2. Select "Ambulance" on the features section on the Home page;
3. Press the emergency button for three seconds. You will be connected to the ambulance service.

Even after following these fire prevention steps, Smartcitizens still need to stay prepared. Practicing the fire prevention measures mentioned above and utilizing features on the JAKI app can help you be more alert in preventing fires and minimizing their impact if they occur. We hope these tips help!