LAST FRIDAY, ANDERSON YARDE’S home went up in flames in the third house fire for the year. For a small country, this must be a cause of concern.
Mr Yarde may have been the victim of his own doing. The burning of bush and all other types of “stuff” has been an age-old habit which many Barbadians undertake, albeit a dangerous one.
Every so frequently, the Barbados Fire Service warns of the associated problems with trash buring, but obviously not everyone heeds the warnings. Most homes do not follow suggested guidelines such as having a functional fire extinguisher which is easily accessible.
Over and above the inherent challenges uncontrolled burnings can cause if they get out of hand, there is the nuisance factor created by the smoke for asthmatics who live in the immediate vicinity.
The focus, however, is far greater than Mr Yarde, the unfortunate outcome of his actions or even the asthma sufferers. The big worry is the headache created by house fires, particularly because many of the properties destroyed are uninsured.
Clearly, many Barbadians simply do not believe fire will destroy their properties. It is only after the fact, with the cost of replacing a dwelling, that the seriousness of the situation sinks in. That is why so many people are still without new houses, years after theirs were destroyed by fire.
Property and contents insurance cannot be the total solution following a house fire, but these types of coverage can go a long way in helping victims to “get back on their feet” without having to beg for alms. In a country where the social services are stretched and where the need for various types of assistance is growing daily, the prescription for protection of property is clear. Insurance coverage is required.
The same way vehicles are not supposed to be on the road without some level of insurance coverage, neither should anyone risk living in a house which lacks insurance coverage.
All Barbadians need to adopt the right safety measures to ensure they mitigate the risks to life and property associated with fire. Simple things such as not smoking in bed, not cooking or using any type of fire while intoxicated or under the influence of any substance, and keeping surroundings clear of old materials, such as old wood, while keeping check of electrical fittings and fixtures, can be adopted.
Last year, Barbados recorded over 92 house fires, up on the 80 of the previous year. No one wants that number to rise this year. So, it’s all about precaution and protection.