EXCLUSIVE ONLINE: Cogta distributes relief material for fire emergencies ahead of the winter season
The material include tents, mattresses and gel stoves and will be provided to municipalities such as Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme, Lekwa, Msukaligwa, Govan Mbeki and eMakhazeni during emergency cases.
The Department of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) in Mpumalanga distributed fire relief material ahead of the winter to municipalities prone to fire outbreaks.
The material includes tents, mattresses and gel stoves that will be provided to municipalities, such as Dr Pixley Ka Isaka Seme, Lekwa, Msukaligwa, Govan Mbeki and eMakhazeni during emergency cases.
Distribution of the relief material is part of the department’s disaster management plan and affirms the commitment to prevent deaths caused by fires during the winter.
“The relief material is a statement of commitment from our side to support our communities in emergency cases.
“We have financial constraints and therefore priority will be given to municipalities prone to fire outbreaks during winter,” MEC for Cogta, Mr Speedy Mashilo, said.
Mr Mashilo said the department, working with municipal disaster management units and fire fighting organisations, are educating communities on how to prevent fires as a measure to minimise fatalities.
He urged communities to take precautionary fire measures in this regard, such as:
• Not leaving unattended fire braziers around children.
• Not leaving open fires unattended in forests.
• Not throwing down cigarette butts.
• Clearing rubble at least 10-20 metres around properties, as this may comprise burning materials such as leaves and wood piles.
• Marking streets to assist fire services with easy access.
As the winter approaches, the community is also warned to consider the dangers of a makeshift coal stove, also known as an ‘imbawula’.
‘Imbawula’ is constructed from a large tin can with holes in the sides and designed to burn for a long time.
It releases toxic fumes (carbon monoxide) when burning that can not be smelled, and families must avoid putting it inside their homes as it can lead to fatalities.
Most shack dwellers use an ‘imbawula’ to cook and to keep warm.
The department urged communities to call the disaster toll-free number to report emergencies. The number is 0800 202 507.
