Prevent fires and stay safe this winter
The South African Weather Services cautioned the public of extreme cold weather conditions that will be experienced in the interior parts of the country.
JOHANNESBURG SOUTH: Temperatures are said to be very low and as a result, members of the public are being warned to be extra cautious when keeping themselves warm using different household energy sources throughout the entire winter season.
In some parts of the country lives, properties and many other valuables have been lost already, due to fire-related incidents.
Ekurhuleni Emergency Services is on high alert and ready to mitigate any fire-related challenges, which might be experienced over the cold winter season.
The plea from Emergency Services is that people need to be extra cautious. Make sure that safety is adhered to at all times.
All types of heaters, paraffin lamps and stoves, fire places, braziers, dry vegetation around residential areas, overloading of electricity including self-connections are some of the common causes of devastating fire-related incidents.
High dry vegetation around the buildings and fences can cause structural damage. Thatched roof structures have the same problem.
Most fires are caused by negligence and a lack of understanding towards heat sources. The attitude of individuals contributes to the number of devastating fire incidents.
Please consider these tips to keep you save and warm: Never leave the heaters un-attended at home, office premises and all other structures as this might result in fires. Always place heaters in the centre of the room away from any easy burning material.
Avoid leaving heaters switched on overnight while sleeping or during the day in the absence of anybody at home.
Matches and lighters are not toys, keep them away from children.
For paraffin appliances use clear and clean paraffin. Do not mix it with other flammable liquids. Refill before usage or let it cool off first before refilling again. Use an appropriate refilling funnel to avoid spillage. Keep all other flammable liquids away from the heat sources. Keep paraffin appliances away from children. Keep curtains away from the all heat sources.
In case of burn wounds: Use cold water only, nothing else for burn wounds. Medical burn shields are the only approved wound dressings for burn wound.
Emerency numbers: National Toll Free Number, 10177, if you are phoning from a cell phone call, 112 and the Life Threatening Ekurhuleni Emergency Line, 011 458 0911.
