How to keep your home warm during a South African winter
· The South African
A bitter winter blast will bring wet, very cold and windy conditions to parts of South Africa, with snow possible over mountainous areas and rough seas along the coast.
The South African Weather Service has issued an Orange Level 6 warning for disruptive snow in parts of the Eastern Cape, including Emalahleni, Sakhisizwe, Senqu, Elundini and Matatiele local municipalities.
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The heavy snowfall could disrupt livelihoods, cause major traffic problems and leave some communities temporarily inaccessible.
Yellow Level 2 warnings are in place for disruptive snow in parts of the Eastern Cape, Free State and western KwaZulu-Natal. The snow could disrupt travel and services.
South Africa is in the middle of winter, with bitterly cold conditions affecting parts of the country. As temperatures drop, households can make a few simple changes to keep their homes warmer and reduce the risk of cold-related illnesses.
Stop heat from escaping
A warm home can quickly become cold when air enters through gaps around doors and windows. Use draft stoppers or door seals to block these gaps. If you do not have them, a rolled-up towel can also help keep cold air outside.
Curtains can also help. Close them in the evening to keep warm air inside and reduce the amount of heat escaping through windows.
Keep yourself warm indoors
You do not always need to turn up the heater to stay comfortable. Put on warm clothes, thick socks and extra layers to help your body retain heat.
Extra blankets can also make a big difference, especially during the early morning and evening when temperatures drop.
Make your bedroom warmer at night
Use extra blankets, a hot-water bottle or an electric blanket to stay warm while sleeping. If you use an electric blanket, check that it is in good condition and follow the manufacturer’s safety instructions.
Close off unused rooms
There is little reason to heat rooms that nobody is using. Close the doors of unused rooms and concentrate the warmth in the parts of the house where you spend most of your time.
Be ready for power cuts
Winter power cuts can make already cold conditions much harder to manage. Keep blankets, warm clothing and torches somewhere that you can easily find them.
If you use a heater, make sure you know how to operate it safely. Never improvise with appliances or use equipment designed for outdoor use inside the house.
Avoid dangerous ways of heating your home
As temperatures fall, some households turn to charcoal braziers or gas appliances to keep warm during power cuts. However, using these indoors can be extremely dangerous.
Burning charcoal, gas or other fuels in a poorly ventilated room can produce carbon monoxide. The gas has no colour or smell and can cause serious poisoning or death.
Always make sure your home has adequate ventilation when using appliances that burn fuel, and never bring a charcoal brazier indoors to warm up a room.
Keep your home at a safe temperature
The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures at 18°C or higher during cold weather. Maintaining a warm indoor environment can help reduce the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to cold, particularly for vulnerable people.
With cold weather continuing across parts of South Africa, taking simple steps to keep the cold out and heat in can make homes more comfortable while helping households stay safe through winter.