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Heavy rainfall to cease by this afternoon; remain cautious
It is expected that the rainfall will ease significantly during Friday afternoon as the weakening system moves off into the Indian ocean.
The rainfall is due to a surface high pressure system which is transporting large amounts of moisture to the eastern parts of South Africa. At the same time a sharp upper air trough is moving across the central parts of the country, resulting in very unstable conditions.
A combination of these two factors result the current weather conditions.
Here are tips to protect yourself and your family in cases of floods:
- Always memorise emergency numbers, in this case 082 911.
- Avoid low lying areas, climb to higher ground if you find yourself in the middle of a flash flood.
- Avoid walking or driving through flash floods.
- Abandon your vehicle immediately if you find yourself in the middle of a flash flood, open the window and escape.
Wet weather conditions are usually associated with poor visibility so here are a few tips to make sure you are safe:
- Make sure your windshield wipers are in a good condition.
- Ensure that your tyres are also in a good condition.
- Make sure all headlights , taillights , brake lights and indicators are properly functioning to ensure that other drivers can see you during heavy rains.
- Turn on your headlights.
- When driving in wet weather conditions, remember to slow down (reduce speed)
- Maintain a safe following distance between vehicle’s
- Overtake only when it is safe to do so.
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
- Avoid using your phone while your car is in motion.
- Most importantly, buckle up!
- Ensure that children/babies are secured in a car child seat.
- Do not drive on roads that you are unfamiliar with.
Take note of the following:
- In case of emergencies phone the DEMS call centre on 011 458 0911, dial 112 from a cellphone or call the national emergency number, 10177.
Ensure that you have the emergency call centre contact numbers readily and clearly displayed, at home and at work, and save the number on speed dial in your cellphone.
Speak clearly when reporting an emergency.
Provide the operator with all the necessary details required.
Do not end the conversation with the operator until all questions have been answered.
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