FIRE SAFETY TIPS DURING COLD WINTER MONTHS

By SAPS

As certain parts of the country is experiencing severe weather conditions,  the SAPS in the Northern Cape is appealing to residents to implement the following safety measures during this period and also to be vigilant and alert during extreme cold and wet weather.

• Ensure that all fires in fireplaces are extinguished and heaters are switched off before going to bed.
• Never sleep with burning candles and refrain from using  “Umbolas” inside your houses.
• Install smoke alarms and test whether they are in a working condition.
• Never smoke in bed. Rather, smoke outside and make sure cigarette butts are properly disposed of.
• Take extra care when cooking, especially with gas and open fires.
• Do not overload multi-plugs and wall sockets with heating appliances.
• Switch off electric blankets at night and rather opt for extra warm blankets during winter.
• Do not splash water on oil or grease that caught fire in your cooking pan as this spreads the fire. Rather, use a fire extinguisher.
• Keep matches, lighters, and other flammable liquids out of the reach of children.
• When cooking, keep flammable items like curtains, oven gloves, and paper towels far away from burners and stoves.
• Use portable air conditioners safely and with extra care.
• If your clothing catches fire, stop, drop, and roll.
• Plan your escape from fire and practice your fire drill at least twice a year.
• If your residence catches fire, get out, stay out, call for help, and never re-enter your burning house for pets or personal belongings.
• Display your local fire departments and other emergency telephone numbers in your house.

You can attempt to extinguish a fire only when it is safe, otherwise leave it to professional fire personnel who have the necessary training. End