Here is how you can keep safe this festive season

With the festive season approaching, it is important for communities to be more careful and vigilant.

The hustle and bustle of parties, shopping and entertainment makes the festive season a time when people are more prone to having accidents than any other time of the year. The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services’s spokesperson, Mr Robert Mulaudzi, has issued the following tips to help make this holiday season a safe and happy one.

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.

Road safety

•  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 attention to change a lane or pull over.
•  If you are in doubt about who is has the right of way yield.
•  Do not talk on your cellphone whilst 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 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 eye-wear.
•  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 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 animals that are distressed.

According to City bylaws, fireworks are allowed on specific days, at specific times.

•  New Year’s eve from 11pm to 1am.
•  New Year’s Day from 7pm to 10pm.
•  Chinese New Year from 7pm to 10pm.
•  Human Rights Day from 7pm to 10pm.
•  Freedom Day from 7pm to 10pm.
•  Diwali from 7pm to 10pm.
•  Guy Fawkes Day from 7pm to 10pm.
•  Christmas Eve from 7pm to 10pm.
•  Day of Goodwill from 7pm to 10pm.

Water and Flood Safety

•  Swimming is an essential life skill; if you are going to be around water, it is safest to learn how to swim. You are never too old to learn.
•  Make a swimming pool safe.
•  Install a fence around the pool with a locked gate or install a safety net.
•  Make the home water-safe.
•  Never leave small children alone or unattended around open sources of water or inside the home, for example the bathtub, sinks or basins, buckets and toilets.

Danger of swimming in rivers, streams and dams

•  The water current can be unpredictable and strong.
•  The water depth can be misjudged and can vary in depth along the stream or river.
•  The water temperature could be too cold.

Safety Tips around water

•  Learn to swim and arrange for your family to learn to swim.
•  Children should never be left unsupervised.
•  Never swim under influence of alcohol or after big meal.
•  Never swim at night.

Flood Safety

•  Reduce your risk of flooding in your area.
•  Be aware of where you build your house and avoid high-risk areas like riverbeds.
•  Obey the rules and bylaws of your local municipality, stay away from land which is prohibited by the local municipality.
•  Make sure that the drains in your area are cleaned regularly and are not blocked by debris, as blocked drains causes flooding.
•  Never try to cross flooded rivers, streets, or streams.
•  if you are in a low-lying area, monitor water level and move to higher ground when the water level rises.
•  Listen continuously to the radio or television for updated emergency information and be ready to evacuate the area immediately when there is a need to do so.
•  Never attempt to cross a flooded river or bridge as your vehicle might be swept away by flood waters.