Cold front expected to hit Johannesburg on Thursday, residents urged to be safe

Emergency Management Services has noted with concern the warning message from the South African Weather Service that most parts of Gauteng province, including the City of Johannesburg, will receive a significant drop in temperatures with wet conditions. The cold front is currently moving towards the Western Cape, where forecasters say a sprinkling of snow is expected in high lying areas.

This significant drop in temperatures means that most of the citizens of the city of Johannesburg will be exposed to extremely cold temperatures forcing them to use heating and lighting appliances to try and warm themselves. These appliances might be dangerous if they are used unsafely.

The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services will remain on high alert to ensure they respond to any emergency which might occur. The main focus will be on the 189 informal settlements throughout the city since they are the most vulnerable to fires when bad weather like this is experienced.

The City of Johannesburg Disaster Management Centre will be fully operational throughout the weekend and disaster management monitoring teams have been dispatched to all seven regions of the city to monitor any eventuality and also to facilitate any evacuation procedures whenever there is a need to do so since there is a possibility of some rainfall.

Emergency Management Services also want to urge all residents who are within the formal residential areas not to leave the heaters unattended while in use to avoid fire incidents.

Here are some of the safety tips:

Candle safety tips

– Keep candles away from children.

– A child should not be left unattended in a room with a burning candle.

– Store candles, matches and lighters out of reach from children.

– A candle should not be used to light stoves.

– A candle should not be used in a confined space.

Braizers or Imbaula

Use it in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide inhalation. Before you go to bed, take it outside.

Paraffin

– Put your paraffin stove on a flat surface where it can’t fall or get knocked over.

– Use safe containers to store paraffin, for example, safety cap bottles

Before you go to bed or leave your house

– Never go to bed or outside with a candle or paraffin lamp that is still burning.

– Switch off heaters and stoves at the plug before going to bed or out.

– Always put out cigarettes carefully. Do not smoke in bed.

For any life threatening emergencies call 10177 on Telkom landline or 112 on your cellphone or 011 375 5911.