Safety tips to prevent fires

Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) warns all residents in Johannesburg about the dangers of fire during winter.

A simple and easy to follow plan can save lives and property. Every household should have a safety check plan.

The person who is the last to leave the house should enter each and every room to ensure all appliances are switched off and unplugged. The same procedure should be repeated before going to bed.

Fire prevention tips:

n Only SABS-approved electrical and/or cooking equipment should be used.

n Heaters, two-plate stoves and other heating appliances should only be used for their intended purposes, as per the instruction manual.

n Do not leave candles burning unattended.

n Experience has shown that informal settlements, though this can also be the case in brick and mortar structures, people tend to disregard even the smallest detail regarding fire safety by warming themselves using primus stoves and braziers (mbawulas), only to fall asleep and have their homes go up in smoke.

n Alcohol should be consumed in moderation.

n In case of an emergency, call 10177 or 112.

n Fire sources such as heaters, stoves and irons should not be left unattended.

n Boxes of matches and cigarette lighters should be stored safely.

n Children like to experiment. Their actions can have dire consequences; not only to your home but to the whole community.