Joburg EMS on high alert amid cold front warning
The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services has noted with concern the warning from the South African Weather Services of the significant drop in temperatures in most parts of the City of Johannesburg from Friday.
“This drop in temperatures means that residents throughout the City of Johannesburg will be tempted to use all sorts of heating devices to try and warm themselves against these extremely cold temperatures, in the process making themselves vulnerable to fire incidents at home,” said EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi.
He urged residents to use heating devices, such as heaters, ‘imbaula’, paraffin stoves, and candles, with caution.
“Do not leave them unattended while in use to prevent fire incidents at home during these extremely cold temperatures,” Mulaudzi added.
SOME SAFETY TIPS
- Keep burning candles out of reach of children and pets.
- Don’t leave young children unattended in a room with a lit candle.
- Store candles, matches, and lighters away from the reach of children.
- Use safe containers to store paraffin, i.e., safety caps.
- Do not connect electricity illegally; it’s dangerous to you, children, and those around; instead, report illegal connections.
- Do not leave a heater unattended while in use; it might cause fires at home.
Mulaudzi said the metro’s Disaster Management monitoring teams in all seven regions and all 29 Fire Stations crews are on high alert to ensure they effectively respond to all emergencies that might occur during this cold front.
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