Temperatures are said to be very low and as a result, Ekurhuleni Emergency Services are warning members of the public to be extra cautious when keeping themselves warm using different energy sources.

In some parts of the country lives, properties and many other valuables have been lost already due to fire related incidents.

Ekurhuleni Emergency Services is on high alert and ready to mitigate any fire related challenges which might be experienced over the cold winter season.

The plea from emergency Services is that people need to ensure that safety is adhered to at all times.

“All types of heaters, paraffin lamps and stoves, fire places, braziers, dry vegetation around residential areas, over loading of electricity including self-connections are some of the common causes of devastating fire related incidents,” said emergency services media liaison officer William Ntladi.

“High and dry vegetation around buildings and fences can cause structural fires more so than thatch roof structures.”

As for heaters, Ntladi advised “If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it.”

“Most fires are caused by negligence and lack of understanding towards heat sources,” he said.

“The attitude of the individuals also contributes to the number of devastating fires incidents”.

Ntladi offered the following safety tips:
* Never leave heaters unattended at home, office premises and all other structures as this might result in unnecessary fires.
Always place heaters in the centre of the room away from any easy burning materials.
* Avoid leaving heaters switched on overnight while sleeping or during the day in the absence of anybody.
* Matches are not toys, keep them away from children.
Children playing with lighters and matches have high possibilities of causing devastating fires which might result in injuries or death.
* For paraffin appliances use clear and clean paraffin.
Do not mix it with other flammable liquids.
* Refill before use or let it cool off first before refilling again.
* Use a refilling liquid funnel to avoid spillage.
* Keep all other flammable liquids away from heat sources.
* Keep paraffin appliances away from children.
* Keep curtains away from the all heat sources.

In case of burn wounds:
* Use cold water only and nothing else.
* Medical burn shields are the only approved wound dressings for burn wounds.

Emergency numbers:
* National toll free: 10177
* Cellphones: 112
* Ekurhuleni life threatening emergency line: 011 458 0911