DEMS provides safety advice in light of the multiple shack fire that destroyed 16 structures in the Elandsfontein informal settlement of eMabhondeni in November.
According to William Ntladi, the spokesperson for Ekurhuleni DEMS, residents should exercise caution when using heating appliances as they continue to be the main cause of fires.
Ntladi said shack fires caused by space heaters or brazier accidents are rather common.
Also read: 16 families left destitute after fire destroys their shacks in Elandsfontein
DEMS provided the following safety tips to prevent fires:
• Keep anything that can burn at least a metre away from heating equipment such as the furnace, fireplace, wood stove or portable space heater.
• Have a metre “child-free zone” around home fires and space heaters.
• Never use your oven to heat your home.
• Have a qualified professional install stationary space heating equipment, water heaters or central heating equipment according to the local codes and manufacturer’s instructions.
• Have heating equipment and chimneys cleaned and inspected by a qualified professional every year before usage.
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed.
• Always use the right kind of fuel, specified by the manufacturer, for fuel-burning space heaters.
• Make sure the fireplace has a sturdy screen to stop embers from flying into the room. Ashes should be cool before putting them in a metal container. Keep the container a safe distance away from your home.
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Save these emergency contact numbers for assistance in case of need:
• Fire and rescue services/ life-threatening emergencies: 011 458 0911
• National toll-free number: 10177
• From a cellphone: 112
