WITH the bitter cold of the Karoo winter closing in on us, firefighter Athenkosi Katise reminds readers that it is also the start of the fire season. They requested Mid-Karoo Express to publish a few easy safety tips our readers should keep in mind:
To prevent fires:
1. Place candles in a proper candle holder on a heat resistant surface, away from flammable fabrics.
2. Never leave a candle unattended or within reach of children.
3. Do not carry around a lighted candle, or allow a child to do so.
4. Whenever possible, rather use flashlights or other battery-operated lighting devices.
5. Keep flammable liquids closed properly and stored out of reach of children. Gas bottles should be checked for leaks, and closed when not in use.
In the event of a fire:
1. It is best to sleep with bedroom doors closed, thereby limiting the spread of possible fires. It is best to have two possible exits (e.g. a door and a window) from a room, and check that windows can be opened easily.
2. When a fire breaks out, roll out of bed and onto the floor in order to minimise inhalation of heated poisonous gases, which rise to the top.
3. Crawl to a door and feel for heat BEFORE opening it. If it is hot, try to exit through a window or alternate door.
4. Establish a meeting place outside where housemates can meet after evacuation, and never return into a burning house to fetch valuables.
Most importantly, the community should remember that they are the fire brigade’s eyes and ears, and the first line of defenders. In the event of a fire breaking out, immediately call any of the numbers below to summon the fire brigade:
- Jayson Merrington – 084 079 8449, ) Phumeza Ngxalambiso – 073 355 5844, ) Athenkosi Katise – 083 478 5640
