The city’s festive season safety tips
“It is important for our communities to be more careful and vigilant."
The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services is urging the community to be more vigilant this Christmas season.
“It is important for our communities to be more careful and vigilant. The hustle and bustle of parties, shopping and entertainment make the festive season a time when people are more prone to having accidents than any other time of the year,” said City of Joburg Emergency Management Services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi.
He said at this time of the year they receive a number of drowning alerts which are mostly influenced by alcohol consumption.
“You find adults consuming alcohol and attempting to jump into a swimming pool. Even if you have the necessary skills, while you are under the influence of alcohol you are not going to perform to your best ability, hence we say don’t drink and swim,” explained Mulaudzi.
EMS will also be watching rainfall closely, because it might fill most of the rivers, streams and dams.
“Children might be tempted to swim in these dangerous areas and we might have a number of drowning incidents during the holiday season. It is for this reason that we encourage young children to visit municipal swimming pools which are operational during the holiday period. They have lifeguards on site to monitor young children while swimming,” said Mulaudzi.
He further encouraged motorists to obey the rules of the road.
“Keep to the prescribed speed limit and arrive alive as you travel from one holiday destination to another,” said Mulaudzi.
He said EMS will be on high alert and that all 28 fire stations throughout the City of Johannesburg will be fully operational during the holiday period.
“As EMS we would like to wish all the residents of the City of Johannesburg a safe festive season and those who will be visiting the city to enjoy their holidays. We promise to keep you safe during your holiday period,” said Mulaudzi.
Festive season safety
Pedestrian safety:
• Pay attention and be aware at all times.
• Wear light-coloured clothing to be more visible at night.
• Never walk while under the influence of alcohol, as it impairs judgement.
• Always use designated pedestrian crossings, pedestrian bridges and traffic lights to cross the street.
• Pedestrians are not allowed to walk on the freeways.
• Hawkers are not allowed to sell goods on freeways or pavements.
• Vehicles are not allowed to stop on freeways to pick up passengers.
Driver safety:
• Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy.
• Ensure that your safety belt is on at all times.
• Pay attention at all times when driving.
• Indicate your intention to change lanes.
• If you are in doubt about who has the right of way, yield.
• Do not talk on your cellphone while driving.
• Take regular breaks on long journeys to avoid fatigue.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol.
• Avoid loud, distracting music while driving.
• Keep to the recommended speed limit.
Passenger safety:
• Ensure that your safety belt is on at all times.
• Children should be kept occupied on long journeys to avoid distracting the driver.
• Children should be fastened in car safety seats.
Fireworks safety:
• Buy fireworks from a reputable dealer.
• Follow the instructions carefully on each firework.
• Always supervise children around fireworks.
• Use protective eyewear.
• Ignite fireworks outdoors only.
• Always have a bucket of water or garden hose handy.
• Store fireworks in a closed box.
Things to avoid when using fireworks:
• Do not use cigarettes to light fireworks.
• Do not shorten or lengthen the fuse.
• Do not carry fireworks in your pockets or throw them while they’re alight.
• Do not be under the influence of alcohol when setting off fireworks.
Safety for pets:
• Keep your pets indoors when using fireworks.
• Never throw lit fireworks at pets.
• Contact animal welfare organisations such as the SPCA, Animals in Distress and CLAW for any animals that are distressed.
Residents are reminded that according to city by-laws, fireworks are allowed on:
• New Year’s eve from 11pm to 1am.
• New Year’s Day from 7pm to 10pm.
• Christmas Eve from 7pm to 10pm.
• Day of Goodwill from 7pm to 10pm.
Water and flood safety:
• Never leave small children alone unattended around open sources of water inside the home, like bathtubs, sinks or basins, buckets and toilets.
• Avoid swimming in rivers, streams and dams as the water current can be unpredictable and strong. The water depth can be misjudged and vary in depth along the stream or river.
• Never swim while under the influence of alcohol, and do not swim at night.
Flood safety:
• Make sure that the drains are cleaned regularly and are not blocked by debris, as blocked drains cause flooding.
• Do not cross flooded rivers, streets or streams.
• If you are in a low-lying area, monitor water levels and move to higher ground when the water level rises.
• Never attempt to cross a flooded river or bridge when driving, as your vehicle might be swept away by flood waters.
