Be safe this winter
Most fires are caused by negligence and lack of understanding towards heat sources
WITH the first real cold weather of winter on hand, Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services issued a warning to residents to be extra cautious by making sure that safety is adhered to at all times.
William Ntladi, emergency services spokesman, said the SA Weather Services cautioned the public of extreme cold weather conditions that would be experienced in the interior parts of the country.
With these low temperatures, residents are warned to be extra cautious when keeping themselves warm using different household energy sources throughout the entire winter season.
Ekurhuleni Emergency Services is on high alert and ready to mitigate any fire-related challenges which might be experienced during the cold winter season.
All types of heaters, paraffin lamps, stoves, fire places, braziers, dry vegetation around residential areas, over loading of electricity, including self-connections, are some of the common causes of devastating fire related incidents. High, dry vegetation around buildings and fences can cause structural fires move over thatch roof structures.
If you don’t know how to operate an appliance, leave it.
Most fires are caused by negligence and lack of understanding towards heat sources. The attitude of individuals also contributes to the number of devastating fires incidents, Ntladi said.
Safety tips include:
Never leave heaters unattended. Always place any heater in the centre of the room away from any easy burning material.
Avoid leaving heaters switched on overnight while sleeping or during the day in the absence of anybody at home.
Matches are not toys, keep them away from children. Children playing with lighters and matches have high possibilities of causing fires which might result in injuries or death.
For paraffin appliances, use clear and clean paraffin. Do not mix it with other flammable liquids.
Refill before usage or let it cool off before refilling.
Use appropriate refilling liquid funnel to avoid spillage.
Keep all other flammable liquids away from heat sources.
Keep paraffin appliances away from children.
Keep curtains away from all heat sources.
In case of burn wounds: use cold water only, nothing else.
Medical burn shields are the only approved wound dressings for burn wounds.
Emergency numbers: 10177 national toll free number, 112 for cell phones, 011-458- 0911 for and life-threatening Ekurhuleni emergency.
