Colder weather expected to hit Gauteng this weekend

As per weather warning by Gauteng Weather, “early forecast cooler weather in Gauteng from the weekend into early next week.”

According to the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS), “The temperatures are expected to drop over the weekend in Gauteng.  That is why the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) is warning the residents to be vigilant when using heat energy sources to keep themselves warm”.

Heat energy sources, if not taken into considerations can bring devastating consequences and in extreme cases, lives can be lost.

Everyone is advised to be extra cautious when dealing with household energy sources going into the last section of the winter season. “It is not over until is over.”

The snow is expected along Drakensburg mountains with the anticipation of low temperatures across Gauteng and other interior provinces.

City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) spokesperson William Ntladi has released the following safety tips when using heating during the cold front:

• Keep matches and lighters away from children.
• Keep flammable liquids such as paraffin, petrol, and others, away from all heat energy sources.
• Don’t refill the generators while still hot. Avoid spillage as that can ignite petrol and start the fire.
• Use appropriate equipment such as liquid funnel to refill.
• Keep heaters away from combustibles. Don’t place any type of heater in a confined space.
• When using Braziers, coal stoves or braai stands inside your home, please open a window for ventilation.
• Don’t sleep with any of them still in the house.
• Fireplaces need to be closely monitored as well. Chimneys need to be cleaned and be able to push smoke throughout the atmosphere.
• Only approved LP Gas appliances should be used, and cylinders refilled by approved dealers as well.
• Always keep cylinders upright and follow the manufacturer`s operational procedures.
• Makeshift heat sources should always be avoided.
• Illegal electrical connections are dangerous, the outcome can be fatal. Only qualified electricians should repair the electrical appliances.
• Never operate any household energy (heat) source under the influence of intoxicating substances.”Most fire incidents are caused by carelessness and lack of understanding of heat energy sources. The attitude of the individual also contributes to the number of fires that are experienced”  said City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) spokesperson William Ntladi

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