The biggest threat during the winter months is household fires which are often started accidentally by people being careless with open flames.<\/p>\n
Gauteng\u2019s beautiful dry winters mean when a fire breaks out the consequences can be devastating.<\/p>
Charnel Hattingh, national marketing and communications manager for Fidelity ADT, said it\u2019s a critical time of the year for education around fire safety.<\/p>\n
\u201cEvery year we get called out to many fire incidents during the winter months.<\/p>
\u201cBesides the obvious threat of losing their lives, people can lose their homes and possessions in a matter of minutes when a fire breaks out,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She added that when officers respond to the scene of a fire, more often than not there are no smoke detectors or fire extinguishers on the premises.<\/p>\n
While there seems to be a shift towards greater fire prevention measures being put in place in homes and businesses, more still needs to be done.<\/p>\n
\u201cInstalling smoke alarms isn\u2019t common practice in South Africa – but it should be.<\/p>\n
\u201cLinked to an armed response service, you\u2019ll have peace of mind that help is on its way in the event of a fire emergency, when every second counts,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
One of the most common causes of residential fires are indoor or outdoor fireplaces.<\/p>\n
Thatch lapas are especially vulnerable.<\/p>\n
Other causes of household fires include worn out electrical wires and appliances, burning candles, heaters, electric blankets, children playing with matches, gas leaks and burning oil left unattended on a stove.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Work begins on new fire station in Klopper Park<\/a><\/p>\n One injured in Primrose Fire Station attack<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u201cWe are entering a high danger period for fires especially because of the high chance of power outages and drier and more static air.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom June to the end of August, more fires are reported annually than during any other period in the year,\u201d warned Hattingh.<\/p>\n Fidelity ADT\u2019s Dos and Don\u2019ts:<\/p>\n DO:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Install smoke alarms and have them linked to your alarm system.<\/p>\n \u2022 Buy at least one fire extinguisher for your home.<\/p>\n \u2022 Know your emergency numbers and what to do in an emergency.<\/p>\n \u2022 Check electrical cables for faults and take note of warnings on electrical appliances.<\/p>\n \u2022 Keep low when exiting a smoke-filled room and cover your nose and mouth with a damp cloth.<\/p>\n \u2022 Work out an emergency fire drill with your family.<\/p>\n DON\u2019T:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u2022 Leave a burning candle, heater, pot of oil or fire unattended \u2013 ever!<\/p>\n \u2022 Pack up your personal belongings before getting to safety.<\/p>\n \u2022 Try to put an oil fire out with water.<\/p>\n \u2022 Open a door which is hot to the touch.<\/p>\n \u2022 Go back into the house if you\u2019ve made it outside safely.<\/p>\n \u2022 Go into a room that is on fire.<\/p>\n \u201cFire safety is complex but there are certain basic concepts that help prevent the start and spread of fires.<\/p>\n \u201cFires can be deadly and devastating.<\/p>\n \u201cWe encourage everyone to spend a bit of time thinking about fire prevention and taking steps to ensure their loved ones are protected,\u201d said Hattingh.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hav<\/strong>e a story?<\/strong><\/p>\n Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor)\u00a0<\/span>germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za\u00a0<\/a><\/strong>or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor)\u00a0<\/span>leighh@caxton.co.za<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist)\u00a0kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:<\/p>\n Facebook<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Twitter<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Instagram<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n YouTube<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Or add the GCN on\u00a0<\/b><\/span>WhatsApp 079 406 1181<\/strong>\u00a0<\/span>or\u00a0BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137)<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b><\/span>today, to get all the latest news.<\/p>\n Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers\u00a0<\/span>Bedfordview Edenvale News<\/a><\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Alberton Record<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<\/span>Kempton Express.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n