Plans in place to fight fires during water shedding
"DEMS assures communities that these water restriction schedules won't affect our primary response operations to fire-related incidents."
Following water restriction schedules across the City of Ekurhuleni, the City’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services Department (DEMS) urged residents, industrial and business communities to be extra cautious in the prevention of structural fires.
“From an emergency services perspective, DEMS assures communities that these water restriction schedules won’t affect our primary response operations to fire-related incidents. Contingency plans are in place to remedy the situation should the need arise. The municipal water department has been engaged and is on standby for intervention as and when required,” said Mr William Ntladi, from DEMS.
He said the two departments are in constant consultation to eliminate any potential challenges.
“The schedule as communicated to all departments and officials will simultaneously be activated to remedy any water shortages during structural fires in the affected areas. This is to enhance effective firefighting operations,” said Ntladi.
He said water tankers and foam tenders are ready to respond for all fire-related incidents.
In extreme cases, suction deep lifting from the nearest open water sources around the City will be put in place to shuttle water to the required fire scenes.
Structural facilities with water reservoir tankers are being identified for the water shuttling during fire ground operations.
Communities affected by fire-related incidents are advised to contact the call centre immediately to render swift intervention.
- In case of emergencies: call the DEMS direct line on 011 458-0911.
- Alternatively, call the cellphone number of 112 or the national emergency number on 10177.
- Ensure you have the emergency call centre contact numbers readily and clearly displayed for everyone to know and to use.
- Numbers should be saved and easy to access on your telephone or cellular phone.
- Speak clearly on the phone when reporting an emergency.
- Provide the operators with all the necessary details required.
- Do not end the conversation until all questions are answered.
