Tips to keep you safe this winter
A cold front will soon be hitting the inner provinces, and as a result, everyone will be compelled to keep themselves warm.
Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services media liaison officer William Ntladi says heaters are one of the heat sources that are frequently used to keep warm during the cold months of winter.
He says all heaters, either gas, paraffin or electrical heaters, can lead to fire-related disasters if not handled or used properly.
He advised the following in order to keep safe:
n For paraffin heater, top up the fuel before using
n For gas heaters, use only the approved connection utensils such as hoses and valves, and use approved gas dealers to refill the gas cylinders.
n All heaters need to be placed away from combustibles when in use.
n Switch all heaters off when not in use, or in the absence of adults.
n Use only approved heating sources to keep warm.
What to do in case of shack and house fires:
n Before going to bed, residents are encouraged to keep buckets of water and sand nearby. These will assist with the availability of extinguishing agents in case of a fire.
n Bucket brigades should be established using the available extinguishing agents.
n To evacuate the burning house or shack, crawl low under the smoke.
n Once you manage to escape from the burning house, stay outside until professionals declare the scene safe.
n To avoid multiple structural or shack fires, build the structures or shacks at least three meters apart.
