Don’t let your heating device become a safety hazard this winter

Winter is here and and everyone wants to keep warm.

The South African Police Service (SAPS) shares tips to keep safe and prevent heating devices from becoming a safety hazard:

• When setting up a heater, remember to keep it away from any flammable or combustible materials and place it on the floor.
• The heater shouldn’t be left unmonitored. It is still far too common for people to leave their heaters on while no one is present either at home or offices through the day or overnight.
• When using a fuel-fired heater in an enclosed area, it is a good idea to leave a window or door partially open to allow for fresh air to enter. This will help prevent carbon monoxide (CO) build-up or a depletion of oxygen levels. Never take a gas-fired or paraffin heater into a confined space as the results could be deadly.
• Many people still use braziers or coal stoves to keep warm during winter. Carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide are part of other gases emitted out of the burning coals and are killer gases because they are not easily detectable. The use of a carbon monoxide detector is therefore advisable.
• Hot water bottles – to avoid burning yourself and the bottle leaking buy only a certified brand from a trusted shopping outlet. You still need to make sure your hot water bottle can be closed tightly but if it can’t, stop using it and invest in a new one.

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