Taking precaution during the cold
As the cold winter months approach, many will be lighting fires to keep warm.
It is during this time that fire awareness and safety precautions are crucial.
Members of the fire department at Airport Company South Africa, based at O R Tambo International Airport, with assistance from the Actonville/Wattville CPF, hosted a fire awareness campaign on Saturday, May 30.
Residents of Harry Gwala informal settlement, Wattville, were given lessons on fire safety.
They were taught on how to extinguish a fire and how to help someone who needs assistance.
Fire fighters said there was evidence that most fires occur during winter months because people are trying to keep warm.
They said that some fires were left burning during the night, which can be very dangerous.
People were also shown how to react when a person catches fire, by applying the stop, drop and roll technique in order to prevent the fire spreading.
They were advised to preferably make use of a fire extinguisher to extinguish the blaze.
As part of the campaign, 20 extinguishers and blankets were donated to the Harry Gwala community to assist during the cold months.
