Fire officer warns Byo residents over electrical, generator risks during rainy season

Bulawayo City Council Chief Fire Officer, Mhlangano Moyo, said residents should regularly inspect electrical appliances, cords, plugs and sockets for damage and avoid overloading sockets or extension leads.

The Fire and Ambulance Services also conducts awareness campaigns at schools, churches and workplaces as part of efforts to reduce fire-related incidents, Moyo said.

“Residents should have a random inspection of appliances and check electrical cords, plugs and sockets for cuts, exposed wires, loose connections or other damage,” said the fire officer in an interview with CITE.

“They should not overload sockets and should avoid connecting too many appliances to one socket or extension lead, as this can cause overheating and fire.”

Moyo urged residents to use appropriately rated fuses and circuit breakers and to switch off and unplug appliances when they are not being used, particularly heaters, irons, kettles and cooking equipment.

He also warned against using damaged electrical cords and plugs, urging residents to have faults repaired or replaced by qualified electricians rather than attempting makeshift repairs.

“Do not use damaged cords or plugs. Damaged electrical cables should be replaced or repaired by a qualified electrician. Avoid using makeshift electrical connections. Do not use bare wires,” he said.

Electrical installations, including wiring, distribution boards and protective devices, should also be inspected regularly by qualified electricians.

Moyo said residents should disconnect appliances from the electricity supply before cleaning or carrying out maintenance and should never leave high-risk appliances unattended.

“Irons, electric heaters, cooking appliances and similar equipment should be monitored while operating,” he said.

Moyo warned residents to exercise particular caution during heavy rains, thunderstorms and lightning, saying wet conditions and electrical faults can increase the risk of electric shocks and fires.

“Leaving electrical appliances connected or operating during heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning can increase the risk of electric shock, electrical fires and damage to appliances,” he said.

He said lightning could cause sudden voltage surges through electricity supply lines, potentially damaging televisions, refrigerators, computers, chargers and other electrical equipment.

“Power surges, short circuits and damaged wiring can cause overheating or electrical arcing, which may ignite nearby combustible materials,” Moyo said.

Wet conditions can also make existing electrical faults more dangerous, particularly where there are exposed cables, faulty sockets or poor earthing.

Moyo urged residents to stay away from exposed wiring and keep children away from damaged electrical infrastructure.

“Do not touch exposed wires. Keep people, especially children, away from damaged wiring,” he said.

Where it is safe to do so, residents should switch off the affected circuit at the distribution board and call a qualified electrician.

“Do not make makeshift connections. Avoid twisting wires together, using bare-wire joints or other unsafe repairs,” Moyo said.

He said electrical cables should be properly enclosed, secured and protected from physical damage, sharp edges and excessive heat.

With residents increasingly turning to generators during power outages, Moyo warned improper use could result in fires, electric shocks and potentially fatal carbon monoxide poisoning.

“Generators are useful during power outages, but improper use can cause fires, electric shock and carbon monoxide poisoning,” he said.

Moyo said generators should never be operated inside houses, garages, sheds or other enclosed spaces.

“Never use a generator indoors. Operate it outdoors in a well-ventilated area, away from houses, garages, sheds, balconies and windows,” he said.

He warned that exhaust fumes could enter buildings through doors and windows, exposing occupants to carbon monoxide, an invisible and potentially fatal gas.

Residents experiencing headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea or confusion while a generator is operating should immediately move into fresh air and seek emergency assistance, he said.

Moyo also cautioned residents against refueling generators while they are hot, saying spilled fuel could ignite on hot engine components.

“Never refuel a hot generator. Switch it off and allow it to cool before adding fuel,” he said.

Fuel should be stored in approved containers and kept away from generators, flames, heaters and other sources of ignition.

Generators should also be kept dry and not operated in wet conditions unless they are specifically designed and protected for such use.

Moyo warned against overloading generators and said residents should connect only appliances within the generator’s rated capacity.

He further cautioned against connecting generators directly to household wall sockets, a practice known as back-feeding.

“Never connect a generator directly to a household wall socket. This can cause back-feeding, which can energise power lines and seriously injure or kill utility workers and members of the public,” he said.

Residents requiring permanent generator connections should use qualified electricians and have an appropriate changeover or transfer switch installed to separate the generator supply from the utility supply.

Moyo also urged residents to keep generators away from combustible materials and ensure children do not operate, refuel or play near them.

For households relying on candles during power cuts, Moyo urged residents to place them on stable, non-combustible surfaces and keep them away from curtains, bedding, clothing, paper and furniture.

“Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep candles out of reach of children and pets. Extinguish candles completely before going to bed or leaving the house,” he said.

With the growing availability of solar-powered products, Moyo encouraged residents to consider rechargeable lights as a safer alternative to candles.

“Currently with the solar industry I urge residents to move away from the candles and use the rechargeable lights that are user friendly, free maintenance,” he said.

Bulawayo Fire and Ambulance Services has previously conducted public awareness campaigns on fire prevention, including during the rainy season, while the council identifies reducing fires and other emergencies and mitigating loss and injury as key objectives of its emergency services.

Residents requiring emergency assistance can contact the Bulawayo Fire and Ambulance Services on 993, 994 or (09) 71717, according to the council.