Community urged to put safety first as they try to beat the cold

As the sunny South African summer turns to a chilly winter here are three simple tips on how to keep warm in the cooler weather.

• Warm yourself first – It’s easier to change your body temperature than room temperature, not to mention more eco-friendly. Instead of turning up the heat, put on another layer of clothing.
• Wear a hat – Your mom may have said that you lose 80 per cent of your body heat through your head, but that’s not actually true. If you’re otherwise clothed, you’ll lose heat from any surface that’s exposed. So put on your hat, even if you’re inside.
• Switch between hot and cold water in the shower – Hot showers immediately warm you up, but cold showers improve blood circulation between your skin and organs, they are also correlated with a stronger immune system

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Here are some safety tips to consider when trying to beat the cold and stay warm.

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 to remember:

10177 (national toll-free number)

112 (cellphones)

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