As residents endure cold weather conditions, the City of Ekurhuleni has urged them to take precautionary measures.
June and July and are regarded as some of SA’s coldest months characterised by wet and windy conditions.
In such conditions, staying warm and safe can be a challenge.
In light of recent cold conditions, the city’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) raised concerns about sporadic fires started by people to keep warm.
“Some man-made fires can quickly escalate out of control endangering lives and property,” explained William Ntladi, DEMS spokesperson.
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Over the weekend of May 29, emergency teams responded to several fires where lives and properties were lost.
“To protect yourself in extremely cold weather conditions, wear appropriate clothing, travel with caution and be alert for the symptoms of cold exposure.
“Monitor family members and those close to you who are at greatest risk from exposure such as senior citizens, young children and people with underlying illnesses or chronic diseases.”
Ntladi said winter’s sub-zero temperatures may freeze water in pipes that can cause water pipes to burst.
He said strong winds can blow the roof off buildings or entire structures away.
“Power failures are rife in winter caused by the high demand of electricity by people trying to keep warm. The absence of electricity might lead to the usage of alternative energy sources to keep safe and warm.”
When using alternative heat sources make use of the below tips:
• Do not use an oven or other makeshift heating sources to warm your home.
• Use Braziers (Mbaulas) outdoors only as they produce poisonous gases, which can be deadly if used indoors or in unventilated areas.
• A gas or paraffin heater can be a fire risk.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s safety usage guidelines when using a heater.
• Do not leave children unsupervised near heating sources.
• Matches and lighters are not toys keep them out of reach of children.
• Do not smoke in bed, if you fall asleep with a lit cigarette it could be fatal.
• Drink warm fluids such as hot chocolate or soup.
• Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which cause the body to lose heat more rapidly.
• Maintain good nutrition and get plenty of rest.
• Keep pets and animals indoors or sheltered and ensure they have access to unfrozen water.
Tips for the cold while travelling:
• When leaving home, ensure that all heat sources are switched off if not monitored.
• When travelling, take warm clothing with, ensure that road conditions fit the type of vehicle to be used.
• When exposed to cold weather outside, wear layers of warm, dry clothing including head covering and gloves if possible.
• If your clothes are wet and you are caught in the cold remove the wet clothes promptly and put dry clothes on.
• Do not throw lit cigarette buds out of a vehicle’s window, it might cause veld fires or set other vehicles alight after you have passed it.
“Veld fires produce dense smoke which can obscure other motorists’ vision leading to fatal crashes,” said Ntladi.
Ntladi urged community members to look out for their loved ones during winter and to consult a medical practitioner if they notice any symptoms of cold exposure.
Emergencies can be reported on these numbers:
• 011 458 0911: Life-threatening Ekurhuleni emergency line.
• 10177: National toll-free number.
• 112: Cellphone.
