Fire safety tips for winter

AS winter approaches, KZN Emergency Medical Services, sees an increase in the number of cases responded to that involve, fires, burns, smoke inhalation and accidental ingestion of fuels.

Although not all cases are the same, and advice can’t cover all aspects of fire prevention, there are several points that can be taken note of to minimise the risk of fires starting and spreading.

Many people rely on candles and lanterns to provide light, the major risk being that these light sources have an open flame, which poses a fire risk if they are knocked over, or if something falls against them.

Precautions for candles 

Never leave candles or lanterns unattended.

Mount candles in a secure candle holder and keep candles away from other objects including curtains that can be blown closer to the candle or lantern.

Don’t leave them on the edge of tables etc, where they many fall or be knocked off easily.

Be extremely cautious when children are around these devices.

Don’t go to sleep with candles or lanterns still burning.

Don’t let candles burn all the way to the bottom of the candle.

Precautions for heaters

Do not leave heaters unattended and switch them off when leaving the room or going to sleep.

If it is a fire or coal heater, there must be good ventilation, this includes when a generator is used as exhaust fumes are produced.

Be careful of sparks or embers coming off the fires.

Fuel storage

Be very cautious of fuels (paraffin, jell) used in lanterns and jell stoves.

Store the fuel away from where the devices are used

Don’t store fuel in beverage containers.

Use a container that seals well.

Educate children in the house about the fuel and store it out of their reach.

If cooking with gas, close the valve of the cylinder after using it.

If a fire breaks out

Raise the alarm! Warn others in the house and the neighbours.

Call the fire department even for small fires.

If there is excessive smoke in the room, crawl out along the floor.

Following a fire:

If someone has been burnt, only put water on the burns and remove any tight clothing and jewellery

If someone has inhaled smoke, move them to an area with fresh air.

Call the ambulance service and fire department when there has been a fire and when someone has been injured.