Health department warns of burn and carbon monoxide risks as winter heating use rises

The Department of Health has issued a precautionary warning about injuries linked to winter cold and the unsafe use of heating devices as temperatures drop across the country. The warning comes after the Department observed National Burn Awareness month in May, which highlighted the importance of preventing burn injuries. Officials noted that a majority of hospital admissions for such cases involved children. MEC Faith Mazibuko said many households rely on heaters, paraffin stoves, open fires, candles, hot water in bottles and other electrical appliances to stay warm during colder weather. However, she warned that the unsafe use of these heating sources continues to put families, particularly children and older persons, at risk. “We want residents to be safe and aware of the dangers involved with using Braziers known as imbawula. Keeping open fires indoors and inhaling smoke is deadly,” said Mazibuko. The department is cautioning residents about the dangers of imbawula, which are widely used for winter heating. Mazibuko stressed that imbawula should never be used inside poorly ventilated rooms or left unattended, as they pose a serious risk of burn injuries, carbon monoxide poisoning, and may even lead to death.

Essential imbawula safety tips:

The imbawula (brazier) is a common, affordable heating method, but it poses severe fire and health risks if used improperly. • Ventilation is non-negotiable: Burning coal or wood produces deadly, odourless carbon monoxide. Always keep a window or door slightly open to ensure constant airflow. • Never sleep with it indoors: Extinguish the imbawula completely with water before going to bed or leaving the house. Never leave an active brazier burning overnight in an enclosed space. • Safe ignition: Start the fire using dry paper, twigs, or sawdust. Never use highly flammable liquids like paraffin or petrol, and avoid burning plastics or old motor oil, which release toxic fumes. • Stable placement: Place the metal drum on a level, solid surface where it cannot tip over, and keep it far away from children, pets, and curtains.

Other appliances:

• Heaters: Plug space heaters directly into a wall socket rather than using extension cords to prevent overheating. Never use a stove or oven to heat your home. • Candles and paraffin: Never place candles near curtains or leave them lit while sleeping. Always place them in stable, non-flammable holders. Only refuel paraffin heaters or lamps while they are cold.

Safe use of electricity:

• Avoid overloading wall sockets and extension cords. • Do not make or use illegal electricity connections. • If someone suffers a burn, cool the affected area under clean, running water for 20 minutes. • Do not apply home remedies like toothpaste or butter, as these can worsen the injury. For emergency assistance in Johannesburg south, residents can contact the City of Johannesburg EMS emergency number at 011 375 5911 or 112 from their cellphone. Residents can follow alerts from the South African Government or check their local municipality.