Fire safety tips – Stay safe this winter

NEWCASTLE – ER24 spokesperson, Chitra Bodasing said it was not uncommon for emergency personnel to get called out to residential fires, especially during winter.

“Often, paramedics treat people for smoke inhalation or severe burn injuries. Overloading of plugs, makeshift fires left unattended and the incorrect or negligent use of heaters are some of the contributing factors to fires,” she explained.

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Mrs Bodasing said injuries and the loss of property could be avoided by ensuring safety measures were in place.

Also see: Freedom Day fire

Below are a few tips to follow to avoid residential fires:

Heater safety

– Ensure heaters are in good working order. If you use a gas heater, inspect it to ensure there are no leaks. If valves, pipes or other components of the heater are damaged, either replace the parts that can be replaced or buy a new heater.

– Leaking gas is extremely dangerous and may result in an explosion. If you suspect a leak, seek the assistance of a professional.

– Ensure there is proper ventilation when using gas heaters or other fuel burning appliances. Flammable liquids meant for other purposes should not be used to start a fire.

– Do not place heaters on carpets or too close to curtains, couches and other items that could easily be set alight.

Plugs and electric blankets

– Ensure plugs are not overloaded or damaged.

– Before using an electrical blanket, make sure it is not torn and there is no visible damage to cables or burn marks on the blanket. If any of these are present, replace the blanket.

Fireplace

– Make sure the fire is small enough to be able to control. This will also reduce the chances of flames spreading out of the fireplace.

– Make sure there is proper ventilation in the room.

– Put an appropriate screen in front of the fireplace to safeguard your family, and to prevent embers from jumping out.

– Keep flammable items away from your fireplace.

– Make sure you extinguish the fire before going to bed or leaving home.

Additional safety measures

– It is important to install smoke detectors and to test them regularly to ensure that they work.

– Keep a fire extinguisher at home.

– Check your windows and ensure that they open easily. You may need to use a window as an escape should there be a fire.

– In case of a fire at home, call emergency services and exit the building.

– If caught in a smoke-filled room, get as low as possible to the ground and exit the house. You can also cover your mouth and nose with a moist cloth if you are able to, to reduce smoke inhalation.

General fire safety

– Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children.

– Candles are a common cause of residential fires. Often, the candle is placed in a plastic makeshift holder or simply stuck down on a table without a holder.

– Lit candles should not be placed near curtains or anything flammable.

– Do not leave a candle burning when you go to bed or leave the property.

– Never leave children unattended near a lit candle or any fire for that matter.

– Never sleep with a lit cigarette in your hand. Also, never discard lit cigarettes in areas that could easily be set alight (such as a veld or dustbin).

Mrs Bodasing said the number of fires at informal settlements increase over the colder months. Gas heaters and open flames in small rooms are common causes of fires. Residents are urged to take special care as fires can spread rapidly due to the flammable materials used to build houses.

“Fires also spread easily as a result of the houses being located close to each other.”

People with extensive burn wounds must be transported to hospital as soon as possible. For minor burns, run clean cool tap water over the burn for at least 10 to 20 minutes.

“If arms and legs are affected, try to elevate the person to decrease the swelling.”

What not to do if you sustain burn wounds:

– Do not pop or remove blisters.

– Do not put ice on the burn/s.

– Do not use home remedies like coffee, butter, toothpaste, mustard, soy sauce and milk.

The patient stands a greater chance of infection and further wound damage if these substances are used.