#FireSafety: Ekurhuleni Emergency Services give safety tips to keep you safe this winter

Winter is upon us and burn injuries and even fatalities are hazards which everyone must be aware of.

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William Ntladi, Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services spokesperson said heating sources needs to be highly considered, particularly by those who will be using heaters, braziers and fireplaces.

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With the right preparation and presence of mind, both adults and children can prevent injuries and deaths. He issued the following safety tips:

Heaters

When setting up a space heater, remember to keep it away from any flammable or combustible materials and place it on the floor, unless it is designed otherwise.

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The heater should not be left unmonitored. It is still far too common practice that many people leave their heaters on while no one is present either at home or in offices through the day or overnight. Areas where heaters are used should be free of flammable liquids. Do not put them on easily ignitable or combustible surfaces, such as rugs or carpets, or use them to dry wet clothing.

When using a fuel-fired heater in an enclosed area, it is a good idea to leave a window or door partially open to allow for fresh air to enter. This will help prevent carbon monoxide (CO) buildup or a depletion of oxygen level. Never take a gas-fired or kerosene heater into a confined space as the results could be deadly.

All unvented fuel-fired heaters should be equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS). The ODS will shut off a heater if it detects a reduced level of oxygen in the area where the heater is being used.For natural gas or propane-fired space heaters, remember the following safety tips:

If you smell gas, do not attempt to light the heater. Turn off all controls, open a window or door and leave the area.

Remember that, unlike natural gas, propane is heavier than air and does not dissipate rapidly. If you smell gas, do not touch any electrical switches or use an electrical appliance, radio or telephone in the area you smell gas. Do not smoke. A spark could ignite the gas.

Electric heaters should be kept out of wet or moist places like bathrooms as water could lead to a fire or shock hazard. Also, be sure to plug electric space heaters directly into an outlet since using extension cords could result in overheating and fire.

Be sure to clean your heater regularly, and follow your manufacturer’s guide for specific advice on maintenance and inspection.

Keep the inside of your home or business safe with smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Many people still use braziers or coal stoves to keep warm during winter. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide are part of other gases emitted out of the burning coals. They are marked to be killer gases because they are not easily detectable. The use of a carbon monoxide detector is advisable in this regard. The golden rule is to keep the window or door open and never sleep with the burning coal stove, brazier or even the fireplace.

“To help make your winter even safer, we recommend that you take the time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A smoke detector is the most effective way to detect smoke from a fire and signal an alarm so that you and your family can get out safely. A carbon monoxide detector can alert you to the buildup of this dangerous odourless and colourless gas. Make sure you test the detectors monthly, and after you change the batteries to ensure they work properly,” said Ntladi.

Emergency numbers are national tollfree number 10177, cellphone 112 or call the Life-Threatening Ekurhuleni Emergency Line on 011 458 0911.

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