By BAKANG MOKOTO
As certain parts of the country are experiencing severe weather conditions, the police 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.
The Northern Cape police spokesperson, Lieutenant Col Sergio Kock said people should ensure that all fires in fireplaces are extinguished and heaters are switched off before going to bed.
Kock further said they should never sleep with candles burning and refrain from using Umbolas inside their houses. He added that people should 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 can spread fire. Rather use a fire extinguisher,” said Kock.
He said people should keep matches, lighters, and other flammable liquids out of the reach of children. Kock said when cooking, people should 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,” he said.
Kock said people should display their local fire departments and other emergency telephone numbers in their houses. He said people should attempt to extinguish a fire only when it is safe, otherwise they should leave it to professional fire personnel, who have the necessary training.
The Guardian 