Mapaballo Borotho

Emergency services in the City of Tshwane remain on high alert, following warnings about chilly temperatures from the South African Weather Services (SAWS).
Temperatures in Gauteng are expected to remain low, with a possibility of snowfall this coming week.
Tshwane Emergency Services has called on residents to remain safe during this cold season by taking precautionary measures.
“As the temperatures drop, many residents rely on heating methods such as gas heaters, braziers (imbawula), electric and paraffin heaters, and open flames to stay warm. While these methods can provide much-needed warmth, improper use can lead to devastating fires, property damage, and serious injuries,” said spokesperson Zwelithini Mnguni.
Residents are encouraged to follow the following precautionary measures:
Keep heaters away from combustible materials such as curtains, bedding, and furniture.
• Never leave children unattended near heaters, fires, or open flames.
• Avoid illegal electricity connections — they pose serious fire and electrocution risks.
• Do not overload electrical outlets or extension cords.
• Never leave a brazier (imbawula), coal fire, or open flame burning overnight without proper supervision.
• Do not use water to extinguish electrical or flammable liquid fires (e.g. paraffin fires).
• Use sand or a dry chemical powder (DCP) fire extinguisher to safely put out paraffin or flammable liquid fires.
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