Heat energy sources if not used properly can bring devastating consequences and in extreme cases lives can be lost.<\/p>\n
Everyone is advised to be extra cautious when dealing with household energy sources going into the last part of the winter season.<\/p>
Snow is expected along the Drakensberg mountains with the anticipation of low temperatures across Gauteng and other interior provinces.<\/p>\n
Fires are caused by various things and can be set deliberately, accidentally or spontaneously.<\/p>\n
They can happen at any given time throughout the year, however more fires happen in winter.<\/p>\n
Fires can be caused either by heating, cooking or lighting sources.<\/p>\n
In some instances, reaction between different chemicals mixed together, can result in a fire.<\/p>\n
Leaving heating sources unmonitored, is predominately a common unsafe practise during winter.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
ALSO READ:<\/span><\/p>\n Fire destroys 120 shacks in Marathon informal settlement<\/a><\/p>\n Red Cross appeals for donations to help shack fire victims<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Placement of heaters near combustible materials can result in fires inside homes and subsequently, properties are destroyed and in extreme cases, lives are also lost.<\/p>\n \u2022 Keep matches and lighters away from children.<\/p>\n \u2022 Keep flammable liquids such as paraffin, petrol and others, away from all heat energy sources.<\/p>\n \u2022 Don\u2019t refill generators while still hot. Avoid spillage as that can ignite the petrol and start the fire.<\/p>\n \u2022 Use appropriate equipment such as a liquid funnel to refill.<\/p>\n \u2022 Keep heaters away from combustibles. Don\u2019t place any type of heater in a confined space.<\/p>\n \u2022 When using braziers, coal stoves or braai stands inside your home, please open a window for ventilation. Don\u2019t sleep with any of them still in the house.<\/p>\n \u2022 Fireplaces need to be closely monitored as well. Chimneys need to be cleaned and be able to push smoke throughout to the atmosphere.<\/p>\n \u2022 Only approved LP Gas appliances should be used, and cylinders refilled by approved dealers as well.<\/p>\n \u2022 Always keep cylinders up-right and follow the manufacturer’s operational procedures.<\/p>\n \u2022 Makeshift heat sources should always be avoided.<\/p>\n \u2022 Illegal electrical connections are dangerous, the outcome can be fatal. Only qualified electricians should repair the electrical appliances.<\/p>\n \u2022 Never operate any household energy (heat) source under the influence of intoxicating substances.<\/p>\n Most fire incidents are caused by carelessness and a lack of understanding towards heat energy sources.<\/p>\n The attitude of the individual also contributes to the number of fires that are experienced.<\/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 <\/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 Also follow us on:<\/p>\n
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