ESKOM has urged communities to be cautious when trying to keep themselves warm this winter.
While many will be turning to various heating appliances as temperatures begin to drop, the power utility says it is important to take the necessary safety precautions to avoid hazards.
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‘Eskom comes across many electricity-related home fires in winter and we are therefore urging communities to really take care when heating their homes,’ said Eskom’s senior manager for health and safety, Miranda Moahlodi.
‘It is crucial to never forget the safety of your family and your neighbours, as fires can rage out of control quickly.’
Some important safety tips to follow:
• Have a professional inspect your gas heater at least once a year. A heater or furnace with leaks or cracks could release carbon monoxide into your home or cause a fire.
•If you use a fireplace, have a professional inspect and clean it every year. Keep flammable materials away from the open flame area. Do not burn trash, cardboard boxes or items that may contain chemicals that can poison the air in your home.
•Never use a gas or electric stove or an oven as a heating source. This poses a fire hazard, and releases dangerous fumes such as carbon monoxide.
• If you are going to use a portable space heater, make sure you never leave it unattended and remember to turn it off when you leave the room or go to sleep.
•Always keep the space heater at least a meter away from anything that can catch fire such as curtains, paper, blankets or furniture, and place it away from busy areas of your home like doorways.
•Teach children about the safety of electrical or gas heaters and teach them not to operate any on their own.
• Inspect heaters for cracked or broken plugs or loose connections before each use. If the cords are frayed, worn or damaged, do not use the heater. • Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use an extension cord or power strip, which could overheat and result in a fire. Do not plug any other electrical devices into the same outlet as the heater.
• When using a fuel-fired heater in an enclosed area, it is a good idea to leave a window or door partially open to allow fresh air to enter. This will help prevent carbon monoxide build-up or a depletion of oxygen levels.
•Try not to use a gas-fired or kerosene heater in a confined space as the results could be deadly.
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