With winter setting in and biting cold weather conditions reported across the country, the City of Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) is warning residents to be vigilant when using heat energy sources to keep themselves warm.

According to DEMD spokesperson William Ntladi, judging from previous experiences, structural fires are very likely under these weather conditions, as many residents are expected to use heat energy sources to keep the cold at bay.
Therefore, the department remains on high alert to respond to any incident of fire, particularly during the winter period when heat energy sources are most likely to worsen the situation.

DEMS share the following safety precautions:
• Keep combustible materials at least one meter away from heating sources.
• Keep monitoring the heating sources continuously. Never leave children alone around heating sources.
• Braziers (imbawula) shouldn’t be placed inside the homes without proper ventilation, as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide poisoning can harm occupants.
• ⁠Don’t overload braziers with heavy pots. Doors and/or windows should be opened to allow fresh air inside.
• Place braziers on a level and stable surface, and extinguish them before going to bed.
• Due to strong wind speed and dry, dense vegetation, veld fires are quite imminent. They might run out of control at an alarming speed and bring devastating results.
• Don’t make open fires.
• Don’t throw lit cigarette buds away, as this may result in devastating veld fires.

DEMS is on hand to assist with fire and rescue, so keep their contact details close by: 011 458 0911
Life-threatening Ekurhuleni Emergency Line: 10177
National toll-free number: 112 – cellphone

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