City urges residents to be safe this winter

Winter is fast approaching and safety becomes a burning issue in our community.

The City of Johannesburg experiences an increasing number of fire emergency incidents during this season, especially in informal settlements. People in these settlements are forced to use all sorts of heating appliances to warm themselves, making them vulnerable to fires.

The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services media liaison officer, Robert Mulaudzi said, “We would like to urge our residents to make sure that all the necessary safety precautions are taken into consideration when using candles, paraffin stoves, heaters or any other heating and lighting appliances so that we can prevent the number of fire incidents and fatalities during this winter period ahead of us.”

He said the City will remain on high alert throughout the winter period in order to respond as quickly as possible. The main focus will be on the 189 informal settlements since they are the most vulnerable to fires. Mulaudzi also urged residents in residential areas not to leave their heaters unattended while in use.

Read: Fire disaster on Easter

Candle safety:

• Always keep candles away from children
• Never leave a child unattended in a room with a candle
• Store candles, matches and lighters out of children’s reach
• Never use a candle to light a stove
• A candle should not be used in a confined space.

Braizers or imbaula safety:

• Use it in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide inhalation before you go to bed, and take it outside

Paraffin safety:

• Always put your paraffin stove on a flat surface where it cannot fall over or get knocked over
• Always use safe containers to store paraffin and label them

Before you go to bed or out:

• Never go to bed or out with a candle or paraffin lamp still burning
• Switch off heaters and stoves at the plug before going to bed, or going out
• Always put out cigarettes carefully. Do not smoke in bed.

Details: For any life-threatening emergencies call 10177 from Telkom landline or 112 on your cellphone or 011 375 5911.

Do you have any electricity-saving tips for this winter? Please share them on our Facebook page