The City of Ekurhuleni’s DEMS – including rescue teams, firefighters, disaster management personnel, and aquatic units remain on high alert for any eventualities across the city.
This comes in response to a forecast issued by the South African Weather Service (SAWS), warning of adverse cold and wet weather conditions expected across the country.
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Water streams are anticipated to rise significantly, posing potential hazards to residents.
Temperatures are also forecast to drop to their lowest levels of the season so far.
District manager and media liaison for DEMS, William Ntladi, has cautioned that with the sudden drop in temperatures, many residents are expected to begin using heating appliances.
In light of this, the DEMS department would like to share the following safety tips to help prevent loss of life and cold-related illnesses such as the flu.
Safety tips for keeping warm
• Avoid going outdoors in wet and rainy conditions unless necessary.
If you must go out, wear suitable waterproof and warm clothing.
• Keep children indoors and ensure they are warmly dressed.
• Never leave heaters unattended.
A responsible adult should always be present when heaters are in use.
• Turn off heaters before refuelling and allow them to cool before doing so.
• Use a suitable funnel or device to refill heaters to prevent spills.
• Keep all combustible materials at least one metre away from heaters.
• If using coal stoves, braziers, or fireplaces, ensure the area is well-ventilated to prevent the build-up of toxic gases such as carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide.
Safety tips for water-related emergencies
• Motorists should ensure their vehicles are roadworthy, including checking tyres, wipers, and lights.
• Drive slowly, as roads may be slippery.
• Maintain a safe following distance from other vehicles.
• Be cautious of potholes, which may not be visible.
• Water collecting at the sides of roads can be hazardous and may cause accidents.
• Never attempt to cross flooded bridges, especially if the road surface is submerged.
Safety tips for pedestrians and residents
• Do not cross flooded bridges if the water is ankle-deep or higher.
• Never walk across pipeline structures over flooded streams.
• If a bridge is submerged, use an alternative route.
• Ensure perimeter fencing includes water drainage outlets to direct water flow towards stormwater drains.
• Avoid building any structures near streams or watercourses.
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The community is urged to avoid all water-related religious or cultural activities during this time, as most streams are at full capacity. As a result the current is strong, and the risk of drowning is high.
In case of emergency
For any life-threatening emergencies within the City of Ekurhuleni, please dial (011) 458-0911.
The appropriate response teams will be dispatched immediately.
