As winter creeps into the city it brings with it its own unique set of safety challenges.<\/p>\n
Temperatures are slowly decreasing and many people have begun to look for ways to beat the winter chill and keep warm.<\/p>
\u201cAs the temperature drops the risk of home, office, business and industrial fires increase,\u201d said William Ntladi, district manager media liaison for Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS).<\/p>\n
\u201cIn some instances lives are lost.<\/p>
\u201cTo circumvent such tragedies vigilance is crucial from our communities.\u201d<\/p>\n
With this in mind DEMS teams have been working hard to sensitise the community and teach residents how to be winter-wise.<\/p>\n
\u201cLeaving heat sources unmonitored seems to have become a common unsafe practice during winter.<\/p>\n
\u201cEveryone is advised to be extra cautious when dealing with energy and heat sources during this season,\u201d Ntladi said.<\/p>\n
DEMS have recorded a number of extreme, horrible and deadly incidents caused by unsafe acts and conditions – many that could have been avoided.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs a caring department we say \u2018be wise, be safe and stay alive\u2019,\u201d said Ntladi.<\/p>\n
Ntladi also shared some useful winter safety tips:<\/p>\n
1. Paraffin heaters:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Never use fuel burning appliances without proper room ventilation.<\/p>\n
This includes braziers and coal stoves as they produce deadly fumes and gases.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Only use fuel recommended by the heater\u2019s manufacturer.<\/p>\n
\u201cNever use any other fuel except the one recommended by the manufacturer,\u201d Ntladi urged.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Be sure the heater is in good working condition and has an emergency shut-off valve in case it is tipped over.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Keep the paraffin\/fuel in a safe approved container away from children, in a well-ventilated area outside the house.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Always use a childproof paraffin safety cap on your paraffin bottle and keep matches away from children.<\/p>\n
\u201cTeach children that paraffin and matches shouldn\u2019t be played with,\u201d said Ntladi.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Never refill the heater while in operation or hot and do not over fill it.<\/p>\n
\u201cAvoid spillages, use a funnel to refill,\u201d Ntladi said.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Place the heater away from any combustibles like furniture.<\/p>\n
2. Gas heaters and stoves:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Only approved gas appliances should be used.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Always keep the gas cylinder in an upright position even during transportation, storage or during use in accordance to the two arrows displayed on the cylinders.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Check the o-ring and gas pipe regularly for wear and tear \u2013 replace when necessary.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Gas cylinders should be kept away from direct sunlight, rain, dust and any heat source.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Do not put a gas cylinder near a hot surface such as a stove or open flame.<\/p>\n
\u2022 When cooking, keep the stove above the level of the gas cylinder.<\/p>\n
\u2022 When lighting a gas appliance, light the match\/lighter before turning the gas cylinder valve on.<\/p>\n
\u2022 When using a gas stove, never use a pot that is too big for the stove.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Always keep windows open to ventilate the room or house when using gas.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Avoid using garden hoses in place of the approved SABS\/SANS gas pipes.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Avoid over filled gas cylinders.<\/p>\n
\u201cOnly registered dealers should refill gas cylinders,\u201d said Ntladi.<\/p>\n
\u2022 After use, close the gas supply source before turning off the appliance.<\/p>\n
3. Fireplace:<\/p>\n
\u2022 Be sure the fireplace is installed properly by a qualified technician.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt should have adequate clearance from combustible surfaces, and proper floor support and protection,\u201d said Ntladi.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Have the chimney inspected annually and cleaned if necessary, especially if it has not been used for some time.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Do not use flammable liquids to start the fire or accelerate flames.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Always burn seasoned hardwoods to avoid lots of smoke in the room or house.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Keep a grate in front of the fireplace opening to prevent sparks from jumping out and unwanted material from going in.<\/p>\n
Ntladi reminded the community, \u201cMost fire incidents are caused by negligence and lack of understanding on how to properly and safely use heat or energy sources.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe attitude of the individual also contributes to the number of fires that are experienced within the informal settlements, residential, industrial and business environments.\u201d<\/p>\n
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