Unfortunately, trying to keep warm during winter presents with certain risks – fires, gas leaks, etc., and it’s not uncommon for emergency personnel to be called out to residential fires. In many cases, paramedics treat people for smoke inhalation or severe burn injuries.
The chance of fires occurring in informal settlements increases over the colder months, where gas heaters and open flames in small rooms are common. Residents are urged to take special care, as fires can spread rapidly due to flammable building materials and the close proximity of the houses.
Also Read: Prevent burn injuries
According to a News24 article published 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 City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services spokesperson Nana Radebe said on Sunday that the fire allegedly started while a couple were fighting and tipped a candle over during the altercation.
General fire safety:
• Keep matches and lighters out of the reach of children.
• Candles are a common cause of residential fires. Do not leave candles 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 fall 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 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, and have no tears or exposed wiring. Do not leave them switched on and 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 or milk. The patient stands a greater chance of infection and further wound damage if these substances are used.
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