Tips to stay safe from a fire this winter
Fire outbreak is common during the winter season.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/35/2019/06/images1_52138.jpg)
WINTER is upon us and that means cold mornings, gusty days and icy evenings.
Most people do not quite enjoy the season because with it comes the regular winter illnesses. But winter is also the time to get comfortable and cosy up under the blankets or in front of a heater or fire with a good book.
One should always remember the dangers of open fires and heaters.
Useful tips to stay safe this winter
• As with fireplaces, children and pets should not sit closer than a metre from a space heater.
• Avoid placing heaters near curtains, tablecloths or other fabrics.
• Always make sure your space heater has an automatic shut-off switch, which forces the heater to shut off as soon as it reaches a dangerously high heat level.
• Don’t ever cover the heater with anything.
• Switch the heater off before going to sleep.
• To avoid hot-air inhalation, put water in a bucket next to the heater .
• Never leave the heater on with children around.
• Always make sure you close the gas completely when you switch off your gas heater.
• Smokers must ensure that their cigarettes are put out completely.
• Do not leave the stove on throughout the night as a source of heat.
• Test your smoke detectors.
• Have your chimney and vents checked properly.
• Only light candles when you are awake and make sure you blow them out when you leave the room or go to bed.
Enjoy the warm times that winter brings.
For free daily local news in the south, visit our sister newspapers Alberton Record, Comaro Chronicle, Southern Courier and Get it Joburg South Magazine.
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. You can also email our offices on cvdwalt@caxton.co.za, juliem@caxton.co.za or luckyt@caxton.co.za
Get regular news updates sent directly to your inbox:Â Newsletter-Signup