An elderly Randfonteiner nearly lost his house to a fire started by a gas heater a little while ago.
In light of this, a list of safety tips for preventing gas leaks and fires has been compiled. Gas is one of the cleanest fuels we can use, but it can also be deadly if not handled with care.
How to when it comes to gas:
• When transporting the gas cylinder, make sure it is upright and not on its side.
• Use gas in a well-ventilated area.
• Light a match first, then open the gas.
• When done with the gas, close tightly and smell for any gas leaks.
• Make sure there is at least one multi-purpose fire extinguisher in your home.
• Check your gas appliances regularly.
• If a fire breaks out as a result of the gas, turn off the valve using a damp cloth, then use the same cloth to smother the flames. If you cannot reach the cylinder, move everything that could catch fire away from the cylinder. Call for help.
• Look for a blue flame. If pilot lights and burners have a steady blue flame, they are operating correctly.
How to when it comes to fire:
• If a fire breaks out, get down onto the floor. Heat and smoke rise so getting closer to the floor makes it easier to breath and see.
• Close doors behind you to stop the fire from spreading. The more air the fire gets, the higher it will go.
• Keep keys in easy to find areas, so that you can get out quickly.
• If you can’t get out, close the door of the room you are in, block the gap under it to stop the smoke from coming in, and call for help.
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Also read:
Gas heater nearly burned down my house – owner
Woman loses husband, grandfather and aunt in fire
Man burns to death in house fire
Fire erupts, destroys business in CBD
Fire in Hillside spreads to paintball range
Randgate fire leaves five homeless
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