Municipality provides winter safety tips

As we make our way into May, winter is just around the corner and many parts of the country are already experiencing great decreases in temperature.

However, with this decrease in temperature there comes an increased risk of fires in homes, offices, business areas and industries.

The metro urges citizens to be careful with heat sources to prevent any fires and related tragedies.

The Disaster and Emergency management Services (DEMS) urges residents to act with caution and foresight when working with heat sources as many fires are caused by residentsleaving heat sources unattended.

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Emergency services experience extreme, horrible and deadly incidents caused by unsafe acts and conditions.

Many of which could have been avoided.

William Ntladi, the spokesperson of DEMS, says, “As citizens, BE WISE, BE SAFE and STAY ALIVE”.

Here are some useful winter safety tips with an objective of preserving lives and properties:

Paraffin (kerosene) heaters:

Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room ventilation.

This includes braziers and coal stoves. They produce deadly fumes and gases.

• Only use fuel recommended by the heater`s manufacturer. Never use any other fuel except the one recommended by the manufacturer.

• Be sure the heater is in good working condition. And it has an emergency shut-off valve in case it is tipped over.

• Keep the paraffin/fuel in an approved container away from children, in a well-ventilated area and outside the house.

• Always use a childproof paraffin safety cap on your paraffin bottle and keep matches away from children. These are not toys.

• Never refill the heater while in operation or hot. Do not overfill it.

Avoid spillages, use a funnel to refill.

• Place the heater away from any combustibles such as furniture.

Gas heaters and stoves:

• Only approved gas appliances should be used.

• Always keep the cylinder in an upright position even during transportation, storage or during use in accordance to the two arrows displayed on the cylinders.

• Check the O-ring and gas pipe regularly for wear and tear. Replace accordingly.

• Cylinders should be kept away from direct sunlight, rain, dust and any heat source.

• Don’t put the gas cylinder on hot surfaces such as stoves, open flames, etc.

• When cooking, keep the stove above the level of the cylinder.

• Place the appliances (stove) on the center of the table.

• When lighting the gas appliance, first light the match/lighter, then turn the cylinder valve on.

• For a gas stove, never use a pot that is too big than the size of the stove.

• Always keep windows open to ventilate the room or house.

• Avoid using garden hoses in place of the approved SABS/SANS gas pipes.

• Avoid over filled cylinders. Only registered dealers can refill the cylinders.

• After use, ensure you close the supply.

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Fireplaces:

• Be sure the fireplace is installed properly by a qualified technician. It should have adequate clearance from combustible surfaces and proper floor support and protection.

• Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.

• Do not use flammable liquids to start the fire or accelerate flames.

• Always burn seasoned hardwoods to avoid lots of smoke in the room.

• Keep glass in front of the fireplace opening to prevent sparks from jumping out and unwanted material from going in.

General safety rules for heaters:

Electrical, paraffin and gas heaters:

• Placement of the heater should be centralised within the room away from any combustibles.

• Heaters should always be utilised in the presences of adults or responsible persons.

• Avoid leaving heaters switched on overnight while sleeping or during the day if anyone is not at home.

• Do not dry clothes with a heater. This practice is a potential fire hazard.

• Keep the room or house ventilated when using paraffin or gas heaters as they emit toxic fumes.

• Never operate any household energy (heat) source under the influence of intoxicating substances.

• If you don’t know how to operate it, leave it.

• Always extinguish open fires or flames when leaving the room/ house.

Most of fire incidents, are caused by negligence and lack of understanding towards heat energy sources.

The attitude of the individual also contributes to the number of fires that are experienced within the informal and formal settlements, industries and business environments.