Fire safety tips for the winter months

The winter season is a great time to gather at the fireplace or to have electrical appliances to keep you warm.

The Muldersdrift Communication Action Group (MCAG) has these important fire safety tips for residents as well as business owners:

• Join your local Fire Prevention Association (FPA) for a nominal annual fee.

• Update all the emergency contact details such as 107 and display these near the phone.

• Do not overload electrical sockets or run electrical cords under carpets.

• Remember always to service your fire extinguisher annually and to ensure all members of the family know how to use it.

• Hotel owners should practise regular fire drills with their staff.

• Crawl on the floor to the nearest exit when there is smoke. Never open a door that is hot to the touch.

• Wake everybody in the house.

• If your clothing catches fire: STOP, DROP and ROLL.

• Never re-enter the house to fetch personal belongings.

• Tackle the fire only if it is safe to do so.

Mike Francisco, a security spokesperson for the MCAG says each year numerous incidents of loss of property and even loss of life due to fires are reported.

“We need to take this threat seriously and gear up for the winter months.”