LIMPOPO – As winter settles in across Limpopo, many households will turn to heaters, electric blankets, and open fires to stay warm. But with the cold comes an increased risk of house fires.

The Fire and Rescue Department has shared a list of practical safety tips to help residents protect their homes and families.

In the kitchen

Never leave cooking unattended. A moment of distraction is all it takes for a fire to start.

Electricity and plugs

Do not overload plugs. Overloaded sockets are one of the leading causes of house fires in winter.

Avoid using ovens and stove plates to heat your home. They are not designed for that purpose and can easily spark a fire.

Heaters and drying clothes

Do not use the back of a refrigerator or heaters to dry wet clothes. The heat can cause fabrics to ignite.

Avoid moving heaters while they are in use. Always turn them off and let them cool down first.

Do not place flammable or combustible materials – such as curtains, blankets, or paper – next to heaters or open fires.

Avoid walking near heaters or fires while wearing long, hanging clothes that could catch alight.

Matches and candles

Keep matches and lighters out of children’s reach.

If using candles, cut them in half and place them in a cup half-filled with sand, or use a safe candle holder. This prevents them from tipping over.

Escape and survival

Make sure your home has at least two or more exits in case of a fire.

If trapped inside a burning building, crawl under the smoke to exit. Smoke rises, so the air near the floor is cleaner.

If your clothes catch fire, remember: stop, drop, and roll. Do not run – running feeds the flames.

Around your home

Clear long grass and vegetation around your home. Dry grass can spread a fire quickly.

In an emergency

For any fire-related emergency, call the Mopani District call centre on:

• 015 306 5000
• 015 306 5555
• 060 551 1910

Stay safe this winter.