{"id":414,"date":"2025-06-16T22:00:13","date_gmt":"2025-06-16T22:00:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/xxplore.co.za\/?p=414"},"modified":"2026-05-19T04:02:48","modified_gmt":"2026-05-19T04:02:48","slug":"winter-safety","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/xxplore.co.za\/index.php\/2025\/06\/16\/winter-safety\/","title":{"rendered":"Winter safety"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Winter safety alert: be cautious with braziers<\/span> (<\/span>M<\/span>b<\/span>a<\/span>w<\/span>u<\/span>l<\/span>a<\/span>s<\/span>)<\/span> a<\/span>n<\/span>d<\/span> o<\/span>p<\/span>e<\/span>n<\/span> f<\/span>l<\/span>a<\/span>m<\/span>e<\/span>s<\/span><\/span><\/span> <\/h4>\n <\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

We are now in the winter months<\/strong>, and during this time, fire-related incidents increase significantly<\/strong>. Braziers (mbawulas), candles, and lanterns are commonly used to provide warmth and light - but these open flames<\/strong> pose a serious risk if knocked over or left unattended.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

What is a Brazier \/ Mbawula?<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

A brazier<\/strong> or mbawula<\/strong> is a metal container used to burn charcoal or wood for heating, cooking, or cultural rituals. While useful, it is not safe for indoor use<\/strong> and can quickly cause a fire if mishandled.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>

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DO:<\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Ensure good ventilation<\/strong><\/strong> when using braziers or generators - <\/b>never use indoors<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Teach children <\/strong>about the dangers of fire<\/p>\n

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Extinguish <\/strong>all flames before going to sleep or leaving them unattended<\/p>\n

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Store flammable liquids safely <\/strong><\/p>\n

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Keep matches out of reach <\/strong>of children<\/p>\n

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DON\u2019T:<\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Use a brazier indoors or in closed spaces<\/strong> of children<\/p>\n

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Leave candles or cooking appliances unattended<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Let children play near flames<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Use homemade or unsafe heating appliances <\/strong><\/p>\n

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Place open flames near curtains or on unstable surfaces<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Sleep with candles or fires still burning<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Lock people inside a house<\/p>\n

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In Case of Fire:<\/h4><\/div><\/div><\/div>
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Raise the alarm <\/b>and wake up others<\/p>\n

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Evacuate immediately <\/b>- crawl if needed<\/p>\n

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If your clothes are on fire: Stop, Drop and Roll <\/b><\/p>\n

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Only use water <\/b>on burn wounds<\/p>\n

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Remove burnt clothing and jewellery <\/b>from affected areas<\/p>\n

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Never re-enter <\/b>a burning structure<\/p>\n

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Call emergency services immediately <\/b><\/p>\n

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