Be safe this winter
To ensure the safety of Ekurhuleni residents this winter, the metro gives a out few tips
With the winter season approaching, to avoid house and shack fires, Ekurhuleni has the tips to help the communities stay safe.
According to William Ntladi, Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Service media liaison officer, his department’s plea is that people should be extra cautious when dealing with household energy sources. Ntladi gives safety tips to the communities in an effort to save lives and properties.
Safe usage of heaters
Ntladi advises that heaters should not be left unmonitored either at home or at a workplace.
Safety tips
* Switch all the heaters and air conditioners off in the absence of an adult.
* Never leave the heaters or air conditioners on overnight unmonitored.
* Heaters should at all times be utilised in the presence of adults or a responsible person.
* Placement of the heater should be centralised within the room away from any combustibles.
* Switch off the heaters before sleeping as blankets can fall on it and catch fire.
* Do not dry clothes using a heater because this practice is a potential fire hazard.
* Keep the room or house ventilated when using paraffin heaters as they emit toxic fumes.
* Refill a paraffin heater before usage.
* Use the approved refilling equipment, such as a liquid funnel.
* Any electrical repairs should be done by a qualified electrician.
* Gas cylinders should be refilled at registered gas dealers.
* Avoid any gas leakage and check the O-ring on the valve.
* Avoid using other pipes such as hosepipes but always use approved gas pipes.
Safe usage of braziers (Imbawula)
Braziers are used mostly for cooking and finally used as a heating source. Ntladi says the dangers relating to it is that it emits toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide which are the silent killers.
“People in the room where the brazier is placed, do not smell the gas and they soon become unconscious and die,” explains Ntladi.
Safety tips
* Keep the room or house adequately ventilated.
* Take the brazier outside when preparing to sleep.
* Never leave the brazier on but always extinguish the coals with water when not in use.
What to do in case of fire
* Call the Emergency Services’ toll free numbers on 10177 or 112.
* Or Ekurhuleni Emergency Services’ number on 011 458 0911.
* Switch off the power supply to electrical heaters.
* Use sand or a dry chemical powder fire extinguisher on paraffin heaters.
* When using a gas heater, turn off the valve and use a damp cloth to put out the flames.
