As the leaves change colour, littering the ground in all glorious autumn shades, many of us are stocking up on firewood or drawing heaters closer in an attempt to beat the onset of chilly winter weather.
Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) district manager media liaison, William Ntladi, is urging residents to practice extreme caution throughout winter.
“Drier surroundings partnered with gusts of wind are recipes for disaster with DEMS teams often having to respond to properties being ravaged by fire and lives being lost,” said Ntladi.
“In most cases, fires could be prevented if adequate safety measures were in place.
“Understanding how to protect yourself, your loved ones and your property during the cold winter season will make a difference in staying safe and alive.”
He explained that knowledge and understanding of fire chemistry will not completely eliminate risks, as some fires spread due to deliberate acts of arson but it may reduce the risks of severe burn wounds and the lasting effects of prolonged exposure to toxic fumes and smoke inhalation.
“In the absence of electricity, many people use alternative means of heating, lighting and cooking which all have a high fire danger,” he said.
“During winter we see an increase in the use of heaters but advise to rather dress warmer and make use of blankets to lessen its use.”
Heaters
• Never leave the heaters unattended especially while sleeping.
• Never leave children unattended while heaters are in use.
• Ensure that heaters are placed at least a meter away from combustibles such as bedding, curtains, furniture, tablecloths and clothing.
• When using gas heaters or fireplaces ensure that there is adequate ventilation.
• Ensure that chimneys are clean and that the smoke can flow freely through them.
• Always switch off the heaters as well as the air conditioner and ensure that fires within fireplaces are properly extinguished before leaving home or going to sleep.
Braziers:
• Check that all the coals are burning thoroughly with no smoke emissions before placing them in the house.
• Ensure that there is adequate ventilation to prevent toxic gasses such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide from filling the house. These toxins could lead to severe illness and death.
• When going to bed, place the brazier outside and properly extinguish the fire.
In case of an emergency, call the CoE life-threatening emergency call centre on 011 458 0911; 10177 or 112.
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