900 smoke detectors installed at Makause
Last month there was a shack fire and someone burnt to death.
The City of Ekurhuleni DEMS installed 900 smoke detectors at Makause informal settlement between February 14 and 17.
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The pilot project seeks to minimise damage caused by shack fires through early detection.
The Gauteng pilot project in conjunction with Provincial Disaster Management Centre and Santam saw about 250 detectors installed on the first day.
Media liaison officer for DEMS William Ntladi said the Fire Protection Association of Southern Africa has recorded an average of 5 000 shack fires per year.
“The smoke detectors were installed in 900 households chosen by community leaders.
“Smoke detectors timeously alert unsuspecting households of fires in their dwellings. This is another strategy of saving lives in cases of fire,” said Ntladi.
Ntladi said an alarm in a smoke-filled area will alert to the development of flames.
“Risk assessment was conducted and Makause informal settlement was found to be one of those prone to structural fires. The installation is directly conducted by trained officials.
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“The detectors use lithium batteries with a life span of 10 years. Households are being informed on operation technicalities for effectiveness,” said Ntladi.
Residents also received whistles to alert others in case of an emergency. Leading the installations was the station manager of public information education and relations Vince Khoza.
He said the community is already familiar with the procedure of using the whistles as they often use them during crime-related incidents in the area.
“This project is run by the province, driven by the CoE, CoJ and the City of Tshwane. After the installation, we will do a routine check-up with residents to determine whether these detectors have helped residents.
“All the ground data will be collected every month,” said Khoza.
Community member and recipient of a smoke detector, Ellias Kwetse, said he was pleased to see officials introducing methods that can help save lives.
“Last month there was a shack fire and someone was burnt to death.
“These detectors, if used effectively, can save lives. It is of utmost importance at this stage to ensure the safety of residents because we are tired of hearing about deaths from shack fires,” said Kwetse.
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He said often fires are caused by candles or paraffin stoves used for cooking.
“One mistake and the candle or stove sets everything on fire,” said Kwetse.
Community volunteer Evelyn Mashange said she was part of the team that identified households to benefit from the project.
“We identified high-risk areas. We chose houses per each zone inside the settlement,” said Mashange.
“While installing residents were also taught about the safe use of candles and common heat sources.”
Some informal settlements aren’t electrified so the use of candles is often used as an inexpensive energy source.
Candle safety tips:
• Usage of a candle in the room requires the presence of responsible adults at all times.
• An appropriate candle holder must be used.
• A lit candle must be centrally placed on a flat surface.
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• Keep the candle at least a metre or more away from any combustibles, curtains, tablecloths, bed linens and more.
• Blow out the candle before leaving the room or sleeping.
• Always have a container of water ready to use in case of an emergency.
In the event of a fire contact the call centre number on 011 458 0911, 10177 or 011 458 0911.
