WARNING: Weather conditions cause fire hazard
More than 200 fires in Ekurhuleni were attended to the past week
THE South African Weather Services have sent an alert on unusual, elevated weather temperatures due to the Elnino weather pattern the country is currently experiencing.
These dry and windy conditions with low rain fall create a huge risk of veld fires, William Ntladi, Ekurhuleni Emergency Services spokesman, warned.
“In the past few days, the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Disaster and Emergency Management Services (EMM-DEMS), have experienced major fires in different informal settlements in areas such as Makausi, Delport, Joe Slovo and Cinderella informal settlements and veld fires around the farming communities in Benoni. These fires have been precipitated by hot, dry, windy conditions and heat waves which are being experienced lately,” Ntladi said.
Schools and formal dwellings have been affected with fires at Reiger Park Primary School in Boksburg, Entshonalanga Primary School in Tembisa and a residential property in Lambton.
More than 200 fires were attended to the past week.
The emergency services gave these safety measures to help residents prevent fires.
Veld fires:
Don’t discard lit cigarette butts in the veld.
Don’t make open fires around dry grass or in a veld.
Never leave any open flames unmonitored.
Heat Waves:
Avoid direct sunlight by wearing a hat and use sunscreen.
Don’t leave children or pets in parked locked vehicles.
Stay in the shade.
Drink lots of water to prevent dehydration.
Take frequent breaks if you are working outdoors.
Avoid strenuous activities.
Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated or carbonated drinks.
Wear light bright coloured clothes.
Structural fires:
Always have a fire extinguisher in the house as a precaution and have it tested and inspected regularly.
In the absence of a fire extinguisher, have buckets of sand and water to use in case of a fire.
Install smoke detectors for early warning and detection of fires.
Avoid overloading of plugs, switch off appliances when not in use or when going away.
Close all doors within the house/offices in the absence of the family to reduce chances of a fire spreading.
Use candles correctly and safely, before going to sleep, blow out candles.
Ensure that the gas, paraffin or electrical stove is turned off when not in use.
Keep garden hoses nearby to assist should a fire break out.
Don’t store highly flammable liquids and other hazardous materials in the kitchen or near a stove.
DEMS is always prepared to timeously respond to all incidents within the municipality. Communities are also expected to assist in mitigating the occurrences of emergencies.
In case of emergencies, call 10177 or 011 458 0911, or 112 on a cellphone.
Ensure that you have the emergency call centre telephone numbers saved and visible on your telephone or cellphone.
Speak clearly on the phone when reporting an emergency. Provide the operator with all the details she/he requires.
Do not end the conversation until all questions are answered.
