Locals advised to be safe while keeping warm this winter
It is important when trying to keep warm to adhere to a few very important tips.
With winter slowly creeping in, residents are advised to be extra careful when keeping warm. Wonderboom police spokesperson Mandla Zwane said they have recently seen many incidents where houses have caught fire.
“Previously we had reported incidents of many houses burning in our area,” he said.
One house burned down because a gas tank exploded. The owner of the house died in the explosion.
“West crime activist Frik de Bruin of the XseBlixsem NPO said recently some houses caught fire due to wire problems as well.”
On 9 June the XseBlixsem Namola responders were called to a house on fire in Luttig Street in the west of Pretoria at about 01:45.
“It is alleged a shack caught fire and spread. The cause of the fire is yet unknown.”
ALSO READ: Winter chill hits Pretoria
It is important when trying to keep warm to adhere to the following tips below:
Heater safety:
– Ensure that your heater is in good working order and that the cords and other components are not damaged. 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 or buy a new heater.
– Ensure there is proper ventilation when using gas heaters or other fuel-burning appliances. Outdoor heaters should not be used indoors. Flammable liquids meant for other purposes should not be used to start a fire.
– Never leave a heater unattended while it is on.
– Do not place heaters on carpets or close to curtains, couches and other items that could easily be set alight.
– Do not use makeshift heaters, stoves included, to keep warm.
Fireplace safety:
– Maintain it properly. Have the chimney inspected and cleaned and try to make the fire small enough so you can control it. Keep flammable items away. Extinguish the fire when going out of the room.
– Ensure there is proper ventilation in the room.
– Put an appropriate screen in front of the fireplace as a safeguard as well as to prevent embers from jumping out. Additional safety measures- Install smoke detectors and test them regularly.
– Keep a fire extinguisher at home.
– Check your windows and ensure they open easily.
– Keeping a ladder at home is advised especially if you live in a multi-story house.
– Have an escape plan. Ensure all members of the family know what to do in a fire. If residents have a fire, they should call their nearest emergency services departments.
Wonderboompoort SAPS client services – 012-335-2812
Phillip Nel fire station – 012-358-1905Silverton fire station – 012-310-6400
Tshwane EMS Innesdale fire station – 012-358-2255
Eramuskloof fire station – 012-310-6300
Pretoria Central fire station: – 012-310-6400
Mabopane fire station – 012-358-3180
Tshwane emergency service – 012-310-6300
Should you not get help on those following listed numbers, call the following SAPS crime and emergency line 0860- 10111 or report to their local police station.
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