Tips to keep you safe and warm this winter

Different sources of heat need to be considered, particularly by those who will be using heaters, braziers and fireplaces. With the right preparation and presence of mind, both adults and children can prevent injuries and even death.

Heaters:

• When setting up a space heater, remember to keep it away from any flammable or combustible materials and place it on the floor unless it has been designed otherwise.

• A heater should not be left unmonitored as is still a common practice in many homes where many people leave their heaters on while no one is present either at home or at offices throughout the day or overnight.

• Never place your heater near flammable liquids, nor too close to easily ignitable or combustible surfaces or items such as rugs or carpets and never use them to dry wet clothing.

• When using a fuel-fired heater in an enclosed area, make sure that a window or door is partially open to allow for fresh air ventilation. This will help to prevent carbon monoxide (CO2) building up or the depletion of oxygen levels. Never take a gas-fired or kerosene heater into a confined space as the results could be deadly.

• All unvented fuel-fired heaters should be equipped with an oxygen depletion sensor (ODS). The ODS

will shut off a heater if it detects a reduced level of oxygen in the area where the heater is being used.

For natural gas or propane-fired space heaters, remember the following safety tips:

• If you smell gas, do not attempt to light the heater. Turn off all controls, open a window or door and leave the area.

• Remember that, unlike natural gas, propane is heavier than air and does not dissipate rapidly. If you smell gas, do not touch any electrical switches or use an electrical appliance, radio or telephone in the area. Do not smoke. A spark could ignite the gas.

• Electric heaters should be kept out of wet or moist places like bathrooms as water could lead to a fire or shock hazard. Also, be sure to plug electric space heaters directly into an outlet because using extension cords could result in overheating and fire.

• Be sure to clean your heater regularly, and follow your manufacturer’s guide for specific advice on maintenance and inspection.

Keep the inside of your home or business safe by installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Many other people still use braziers or coal stoves to keep warm during winter. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide are part of other gases emitted from the burning coals. They are marked as being killer gases because they are not easily detectable. The use of a carbon monoxide detector is advisable in this regard.

The golden rule is to keep the window or door opened and never to sleep with a burning coal stove, brazier or the fireplace.

To help make your winter even safer, we recommend that you take the time to test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. A smoke detector is the most effective way to detect smoke from a fire. It will signal an alarm so that you and your family can get out safely.

A carbon monoxide detector can alert you to the build-up of this dangerous odourless and colourless gas. Make sure you test the detectors monthly, and after you change the batteries, ensure they work properly.

EMERGENCY NUMBER: 10177 : National toll-free number

112: Cellphone

(011) 458- 0911: Life-threatening Ekurhuleni Emergency Line

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