Kya Sand benefits from EMS fire campaign

Public Information Education and Relations (PIER) officers in the section of Joburg EMS, conducted a Winter Safety door-to-door campaign in Kya Sand Informal Settlement, blocks B and C.

Officers were joined by Ward 134 councillor Devon Steenkamp and JMPD in engaging with residents, demonstrating and discussing fire safety practices in the home and distributing safety brochures. They went door to door, and to groups of people gathered around vendor stalls and business areas.

With load-shedding, illegal connections, and communities without access to power being a reality in South Africa, the risk of fire is on the rise – especially in informal settlements.

PIER station commander Theresa de Klerk said that this winter season has been a difficult one with several deaths caused by fire in the City of Johannesburg, with some of these being children.

“Most of these deaths could have been prevented by proper education on how to behave in a fire situation and information on how to prevent fires from happening. Not only does fire cause loss of life but it has a devastating effect on lives. The loved ones left behind often lose everything they have and have nowhere to go.”

She added that many incidents are started by open flames – be it candles falling over while left unattended, or old paraffin stoves with no safety features.

“Open electrical wiring from illegal connections not only poses a fire risk, but is also the cause of many electrocutions, often resulting in death. By educating community members on the use of safe candle holders – among many other fire prevention messages – they can take responsibility for their own safety and the safety of the community.”

Devon Steenkamp said that in the past year, the Kya Sand area has had two shack-fire incidents where on average 20 shacks have been burnt. Also, education and knowledge are important when dealing with fire hazards and knowing what to do in case of emergency.

“The community was very eager to learn and gain knowledge about fire safety and we quickly ran out of over 200 pamphlets. It was a successful day and the public safety department has assured me that it will be a continued programme to be rolled out every year. There is also a summer safety campaign they will do.”

One of the safety messages that was taken to the residents of Kya Sand is the use of a safe candle holder. De Klerk advised residents to use a cleaned-out mayonnaise or peanut butter bottle; fill it with a quarter of sand and place the candle inside.

“This gives a clear light, not affected by any breeze, with a wide surface to prevent it from falling over. When it does fall over, for whatever reason, the flame is extinguished by the sand. Never leave candles unattended and always out of reach of children.”

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