CoE runs fire safety awareness campaign during Women’s Day in Gauteng
The campaign shared vital tips on heater use, flood risks, and emergency contacts, aiming to protect communities during the cold, wet season.
While everyone celebrated Women’s Day, CoE officials engaged communities in a fire safety awareness campaign.
The awareness campaign ran from 08:00 to noon, with phenomenal attendance.
DEMS officials and the Gauteng Fire and Emergency Services, under the Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs as provincial sister departments, shared safety messages with the communities.
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With the recent low temperatures in Gauteng, the campaign came at the right time.
“Making matters worse, conditions were aggravated by rainfall. This made the weather unbearable for most residents.
“Because the cold front persisted for a few more days, heat appliance safety tips became a priority during the presentation,” said DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi.
DEMS officials shared these safety tips:
• Always have a responsible adult monitor heaters;
• Switch off air conditioners and any heating appliances if there is no adult available;
• Do not leave children alone around heaters;
• Keep combustibles at least 1m away from heaters;
• For those using braziers, fireplaces or coal stoves, keep windows or doors open to allow gaseous exchange. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide are toxic and can lead to death.
ALSO READ: DEMS intensifies winter safety awareness across Ekurhuleni
“Should there be more rainfall, those near water streams need to be extremely cautious because flooding might affect them,” said Ntladi.
It is a common practice amongst residents to phone the SAPS when needing fire services. They should rather keep the city’s life-threatening emergency number in mind: 011 458 0911 or 112.
