With temperatures still dropping, the George Fire Brigade has issued a warning that everyone should always be mindful when using items that may cause fires, especially candles.
Barend Nelson, the senior manager of emergency services and maintenance, said, "With the winter season already at its peak and many citizens lighting fires and using electrical appliances for warmth, the danger for accidents is much higher." He asked that Georgians be careful when smoking cigarettes, using matches, lighters, candles, heating appliances, cooking appliances and equipment such as electric blankets.
Nelson provided a few safety tips and emphasised that the tips are not only for people living in informal houses, but should be adhered to by all people who live in any dwelling.
• When building informal houses, remember they should be at least 3m apart
• Be careful of building informal structures against formal housing
• Put out all candles and lamps before you go to sleep or leave your home
• Homes need more than one exit to escape from fire
• Keep matches, lighters, paraffin and poisons safe and out of reach of children
• Keep stoves on a flat surface and away from drafts and other combustible materials
• Keep a bucket of sand or water ready for small fires, but don’t put your life in danger
• Use sand for paraffin fires as water causes the fire to spread further and faster
• Turn off the electricity mains before trying to put out an electrical fire
• If a gas stove starts burning, act fast, turn off the gas if possible. If you are unable to turn the gas off, get out of the building quickly.
• If you are inside a burning building, crawl on the floor to reduce smoke inhalation and try to escape. Help people get out as quickly as possible and prevent anyone from going back into the building.
Nelson asked people to memorise the emergency number, 044 801 6311. "When you call the fire brigade give your full physical address and keep roads clear so that fire fighting vehicles can get to you quickly."
Platoon Commander Shane Fisher demonstrates how to work with paraffin.
ARTICLE: CHRISTO VERMAAK, GEORGE HERALD JOURNALIST
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