How to keep warm and safe during icy cold weather

Asextremely cold weathercontinues to affect parts of the country, people are being urged to take precautions as they try to stay warm without putting themselves at risk of fires or carbon monoxide poisoning. The City of Johannesburg’s emergency management services remain on high alert and warned residents to exercise particular care when using heaters, paraffin stoves, candles and braziers. Public safety MMC Moshe Koma said residents should not allow the cold weather to create additional emergencies.

“Every winter, lives can be placed at risk when people use open flames, unsafe electrical connections or heating appliances incorrectly. We are therefore appealing to residents to prioritise safety,” Koma said. People are also encouraged to secure loose objects around their homes and businesses that could be affected by strong winds.