Take precautions in the cold

The South African Weather Services has cautioned the public against the extremely cold weather conditions that will be experienced in the interior parts of the country.

Temperatures are said to be very low and, as a result, members of the public are warned to be extra cautious when keeping themselves warm using different house-hold energy sources throughout the entire winter season.

In some parts of the country lives, properties and many other valuables have been lost already, due to fire-related incidents.

Subsequent to that, Ekurhuleni Emergency Services is on high alert and ready to mitigate any fire-related challenges which might be experienced over the cold winter season.

The plea from emergency services is that people need to be extra cautious, by making sure that safety is adhered to at all times.

All types of heaters, paraffin lamps and stoves, fire places, braziers, dry vegetation around residential areas, over-loading of electricity, including self-connections, are some of the common causes of devastating fire-related incidents.

High dry vegetation around buildings and fences can cause structural fires, especially where thatched roof structures are involved.

Most of the fires are caused by negligence and lack of understanding of the heat sources.

The attitude of individuals also contributes to the number of devastating fire incidents.

•  Safety tips for heaters:

• Never leave heaters unattended at home, in the office or any other structures, as this might result in unnecessary fires. Always place heaters in the centre of the room, away from any flammable material.

• Avoid leaving heaters switched on overnight, while sleeping, or in the day when you are not at home. Don’t leave your heater on overnight in your office.

• Matches are not toys, keep them away from children. Children playing with lighters and matches can cause devastating fires which might result in injuries or death.

•  Safety tips for paraffin appliances:

• For paraffin appliances use clear and clean paraffin. Do not mix with other flammable liquids.

• Refill before use or let it cool off first before refilling again.

• Use an appropriate refilling liquid funnel to avoid spillage.

• Keep all other flammable liquids away from heat sources.

• Keep paraffin appliances away from children.

• Keep curtains away from the all heat sources.

•  In case of burn wounds:

•  Use cold water only and only cold water — nothing else for burn wounds.

•  Medical burn shields are the only approved wound dressings for burn wounds.

•  Emergency numbers:

• 10177 (national toll-free number)

• 112 (cellphones)

• 011 458-0911 (Ekurhuleni life threatening emergency line).