Tips to keep you safe this winter
Residents should remain vigilant to protect themselves and their homes.
Winter is almost upon us, and it is important to take extra precautions as we head into the fire season.
We lost many lives and properties due to fires caused accidentally while trying to counteract extreme freezing temperatures.
Understanding how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your properties during the cold winter will make a difference in staying safe and alive.
Although the knowledge and understanding of fire chemistry will not eliminate risks of fire development, they will help to reduce the risks of losing lives and property.
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This includes developing severe lung infections for those exposed to smoke inhalation, which will ultimately require hospitalisation.
“It is a good precautionary measure to engage in fire safety practices. In the absence of electricity, many people use alternative means of heating, lighting and cooking. All these spell fire dangers to both lives and property.
“During winter, there is an increase in the use of heaters. An alternative safe method to keep warm is wearing warm clothes and wrapping yourself in a warm blanket,” said Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services district manager media liaison William Ntladi.
Here are some of the tips to prevent future accidents:
• Never leave the heaters unmonitored. This includes when you are sleeping.
• Never leave children alone, without a responsible adult, around heaters.
• Place heaters at least a meter away from combustibles such as bedding, curtains, tablecloths or furniture.
• When using gas heaters or fireplaces, ensure adequate ventilation.
• Always switch off the heaters, fireplaces and air conditioners when leaving home or the office.
• Ensure that the coals in a brazier are burning adequately without smoke emission before placing them in the house.
• Ensure you have adequate ventilation.
• Take the brazier outside while going to bed.
In case of an emergency, call the city’s life-threatening emergency call centre on 011 458 0911, 10177 or 112, who will dispatch the nearest rescue team.
