Ekurhuleni emergency services urges residents to be vigilant
The City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Service said people should avoid leaving heat sources unattended with minors.
The spokesperson for DEMS, William Ntladi, said the extremely cold conditions do not only affect human beings but also affect animals.
Pet owners are advised to keep their animals in a warm place during the night.
“Temperatures are expected to drop very low going leading to frostbite and hypothermia to those exposed,” said Ntladi.
Ntladi explained that the city’s DEMS emergency teams remain on high alert for the cold conditions.
He said communities are also alerted to remain vigilant, especially when they are using heat sources to keep warm. The risk of fire in your home increases as the temperatures drop.
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General safety tips to consider:
• Be sure your heating sources are in good working condition.
• Always keep monitoring heat sources.
• Never leave children alone with a heat source.
• Switch air-conditioners and heaters, and put off fires in braziers in the absence of someone responsible.
• Close all doors when leaving home or the office.
In case of emergency, call the city’s emergency call centre at 011 458 0911 or 10177 or 112 from your cellphone.
