The following tips for fire safety in informal settlements as provided by the Western Cape Provincial Government:
• Make sure that all stoves are on a stable surface to prevent them from falling over
• Keep a bucket with water handy to extinguish small fires when they start.
• Make sure all candles are placed in a safe candleholder, away from burning material. Cut long candles in half to prevent it from falling over.
• Build dwellings at least 3m apart to prevent fires from spreading rapidly. The open space around the home must also be kept clear.
• Always have a bucket of sand nearby when using a paraffin appliance. Water will not put out a paraffin fire and can worsen matters by spreading the flames. Paraffin fires can only be extinguished using sand or a fire extinguisher.
• Ensure that there is enough ventilation when cooking food on open flames inside your dwelling.
• Discard cigarettes in a safe container and ensure they are completely put out.
• All open fires must be extinguished before you leave the area or go to sleep.
• Do not use a Gallie Blik or an open fire made in drums inside an informal structures or house.
• Never leave a brazing or coal fire overnight inside the house, as this could cause breathing difficulties.
• Take special care when using gas appliances to cook food. The cylinders must be in a good condition and tested regularly for any leaks that might cause a fire or an explosion
• Never lock your door from the inside using a padlock; instead, use a shooter/shifter for easy unlocking should a fire occur.
• Be aware of the dangers of illegal and faulty electrical connections. Any electrical connection must be installed by an accredited electrician
• Always keep roads and the access to dwellings clear so that emergency vehicles can move around easily.
• Do not prevent or disrupt emergency personnel when they attend to incidents, as they are there to save lives and prevent the destruction of property.
Please contact the following George Emergency numbers in case of emergencies and fires:
George
After Hours Number:
044 801 6300
Fire Only All Hours Number:
044 801 6311
Emergency 24- Hour Availability:
0800 424 477
Uniondale & Haarlem
Fire Services (07:45-16:30)
044 752 1225
Emergencies Only 24- Hour Availability
044 801 9189
ILLEGAL CONNECTIONS – Life threatening and a fire hazard
Any unauthorised electrical connection is illegal and dangerous. Whether you’re bypassing a circuit breaker to run an extra extension cord or plugging your own wire into an electrical box, an illegal connection is any electrical wiring, device or equipment that is connected in any way to the municipal electrical network to access to obtain electricity without permission and/or payment.
Because there are usually no circuit breakers on illegal connections, the wires can overheat and cause a fire. Electrical fires are dangerous and should not be extinguished with water, because water conducts electricity, and you can be shocked.
Report
Report illegal connections on 044 801 9222/044 803 9222 or 044 801 6300 (a/h).
Report people making illegal connections on 0860 044 044, SAPD 10111 or the numbers above.
Reward
George Municipality is offering a R2500 reward for information leading to the successful conviction of electrical theft and/or vandalism in a court of law. The witness will have to go on record to the authorities and give his/her name and contact details for the purpose of testifying, but his/her identity will be protected. Phone in to 0860 044 044 to be eligible for the reward.
