IMPORTANT: Winter warming safety tips
Must-know safety tips for staying warm this Winter.
ER24 has urged people to remember safety first when trying to stay warm this winter.
Ineke van Huyssteen of ER24 said, “Unfortunately, trying to keep warm during winter does present with certain risks – fires, gas leaks, etc. It is not uncommon for emergency personnel to be called out to residential fires, especially during winter. In many cases, paramedics treat people for smoke inhalation or severe burns.
“The prevalence of fires within informal settlements increases over the colder months, with gas heaters and open flames in small rooms being the cause of many such fires. Residents are urged to take special care. Fires can spread rapidly due to the flammable materials used to build these houses. Fires also spread easily as a result of the close proximity of the houses.”
She added, “The City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services reported that one Sunday recently, an elderly woman died and over 100 people were left homeless after a fire broke out in the Denver informal settlement near Jeppe. The service’s spokesperson, Nana Radebe, said that the fire was alleged to have started when a couple was fighting and a burning candle tipped over.”
General fire safety tips:
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Candles are a common cause of residential fires. Do not leave a candle burning if you go to bed or leave the property. Also, never leave children unattended near a lit candle or any fire.
• Never start a fire or use a heater while intoxicated.
• Never sleep with a lit cigarette in your hand. Also, never discard lit cigarettes in areas that could easily be set alight (such as the veld or a dustbin).
• Do not leave fireplaces unattended. Stray embers may cause a fire.
• Never use an open fire, stove or a heater to dry clothes or shoes.
• Ensure electric blankets are in a good working condition, with no tears or exposed wires. Do not leave it on unattended.
• Always keep a window open to ensure adequate ventilation when using an indoor fireplace or gas heater.
• It is advisable to have a small household fire extinguisher nearby. Ensure that the whole household knows how to use it.
What to do if you sustain burn wounds:
• People with extensive burn wounds need to be transported to a hospital as soon as possible.
• Emergency services should be contacted immediately.
• For minor burns, run clean, cool tap water over the burn for at least 10 to 20 minutes.
• If arms and legs are affected, try to elevate the limb to decrease the swelling.
• Any large surface area burns surrounding the mouth, nose, neck and throat or general facial area should be treated as an emergency.
What NOT to do if you sustain burn wounds:
• Do not pop or remove blisters.
• Do not put ice on the burn/s.
• Do not use home remedies like coffee, butter, toothpaste, mustard, soy sauce and milk. The patient stands a greater chance of infection and further wound damage if these substances are used.
The ER24 Emergency Contact Centre can be reached at 084 124 for any medical emergency.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (please remember to include your contact details in the email) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
