EMS sends out warning as cold front threatens Joburg
12 May 2017
With a cold front expected to envelope Johannesburg this weekend, the Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) has pleaded with residents to be vigilant at all times.
Johannesburg EMS Media Liaison Officer Robert Mulaudzi says the entity has noted with “great concern” the warning issued by the South African Weather Service that most parts of Johannesburg will experience a significant drop in temperatures over the weekend.
“This means that most Johannesburg residents will be exposed to extremely cold temperatures, forcing them to use heating and lighting appliances to try to keep themselves warm. These appliances might be dangerous if they are not used safely,” says Mulaudzi.
He says EMS officials will be on high alert to ensure they respond promptly to any emergency situation that might occur. “Our main focus will be on the 189 informal settlements throughout the city since they are the most vulnerable to fires when the weather is like this,” he says.
He urged residents, especially those in informal settlements, not to leave heaters unattended. Some of the safety tips the EMS has issued to residents include the following:
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Keep candles away from children;
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Don’t leave a child unattended in a room with a candle;
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Store candles, matches and lighters away from the reach of children;
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Don’t use a candle to light a stove;
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Don’t use a candle in a confined space;
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Use braziers only in well-ventilated areas to avoid carbon monoxide inhalation;
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Take the brazier outside before going to bed;
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Put your paraffin stove on a flat surface where it can’t fall or get knocked over;
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Use safe containers to store paraffin;
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Ensure the candle or paraffin lamp is not left burning;
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Switch off heaters and stoves at the mains before going to bed or out; and
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Always put out cigarettes carefully and do not smoke in bed.
For any life-threatening emergencies, call 10177 from your Telkom landline, 112 from your cellphone or (011) 375-5911.