As cold weather sweeps in, emergency services warn about fires
Everyone is advised to be extra cautious when dealing with house hold energy sources going into the last section of winter season
As cold weather sets in over Gauteng, Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services warns residents to be vigilant when using heat energy sources to keep themselves warm.
Snow is expected along the Drakensberg mountains, bringing low temperatures to Gauteng over the weekend.
Emergency services spokesperson, William Ntladi, warned: “Heat energy sources can bring devastating consequences and in extreme cases, lives can be lost. Everyone is advised to be extra cautious when dealing with house hold energy sources going into the last section of winter season.”
He said although fires can happen any time, more fires occur during winter because of low temperatures experienced throughout the country.
“Fires can be caused either by heating, cooking or lighting sources. In some instances, reaction from different chemicals mixed together can result in fires. One must know the reaction of chemicals, more over that of household detergents.
“Leaving heating sources unmonitored is a common unsafe practice during winter. Placement of heaters near combustible materials can result in fires inside our homes and subsequently, properties are destroyed and in extreme cases, lives are also lost,” said Ntladi.
He offered to following tips to stay safe:
• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Keep flammable liquids such as paraffin, petrol and others, away from all heat energy sources.
• Don’t refill generators while still hot. Avoid spillage as that can ignite the petrol and start a fire.
• Use appropriate equipment such as liquid funnel to refill.
• Keep heaters away from combustibles. Don’t place any type of heater in a confined space.
• When using braziers, coal stoves or braai stands inside your home, open a window for ventilation. Don’t sleep with any of them still in the house.
• Fire places need to be closely monitored. Chimneys need to be cleaned and be able to push smoke through to the atmosphere.
• Only approved LP Gas appliances should be used and cylinders refilled by approved dealers.
• Always keep cylinders up right and follow the manufacturer`s operational procedures.
• Makeshift heat sources should always be avoided.
• Illegal electrical connections are dangerous, the outcome can be fatal. Only qualified electricians should repair electrical appliances.
• Never operate any household energy (heat) source under the influence of intoxicating substances.
Most fire incidents are caused by carelessness and lack of understanding towards heat energy sources. The attitude of the individual also contributes to the number of fires that are experienced, he said.
In case of an emergency, you can call:
Emergency number: 10177
National toll-free number 112 on a cellphone
Life-threatening Ekurhuleni Emergency Line 011 458 0911
