Heat your home safely this winter – Springs Advertiser

Never leave a fire unattended when heating up your house.

Heating your home during winter is associated with certain risks, such as electric shocks, burns, carbon monoxide poisoning and smoke inhalation.

As the temperature drops, the need to keep your home warm increases.

Because heating equipment is a leading cause of home fires, you need to be sensible when switching on your electric heater, starting your gas heater or lighting a fire in your wood-burning fireplace.

In May, ER24 paramedics arrived at a scene where a couple had sustained serious burn wounds when their cooking fire flared out of control at a block of flats in Manor, Pietermaritzburg.

The man sustained burns over most of his body while the woman had sustained burns over both her legs.

Both were rushed to hospital for further treatment, says Russel Meiring, communications officer for ER24.

Also read:

Public warned not to go to sleep with imbawula in their homes

Heres how to minimise the danger.

To ensure you or members of your family arent injured by heating your home, remember this advice.

Never use camping heating equipment, such as a charcoal braai, indoors because of the major risks of carbon monoxide poisoning.

Carbon monoxide is a toxic gas that is formed from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing material.

Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when carbon monoxide builds up in your bloodstream.

When too much carbon monoxide is in the air, your body replaces the oxygen in your red blood cells with carbon monoxide.

This can lead to serious tissue damage or even death.

Because it is odourless, colourless and non-irritating, you wont even notice when you are absorbing carbon monoxide.

Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include weakness, dizziness, confusion, nausea and shortness of breath.

If you think you or someone youre with may have carbon monoxide poisoning, get into the fresh air and call ER24 on 084 124.

Also read:

Adhere to these fire safety tips to prevent a fire emergency during the winter months

Keep flammable items (such as blankets and clothes) at least one metre from heat sources.

Keep matches and lighters out of reach of children and never leave candles burning if you go to bed or leave your home.

Check electrical wiring on heaters and dont use extension cords, multi-plugs or any device with frayed wiring.

If you use an electric blanket, make sure it does not have any tears or exposed wires. Do not leave it on while unattended.

Dont leave your open fireplace unattended as stray embers can cause a fire.

Ensure you have a protective screen around open fireplaces, never use it to dry clothes or shoes and never go to bed before putting out the fire.

Keep a window open when using your indoor fireplace or gas heater to ensure adequate ventilation.

Keep a small household fire extinguisher in your home and ensure everyone in the family knows how to use it.

See original here:
Heat your home safely this winter - Springs Advertiser