DEMS on high alert following heavy rains in the city

Following heavy rains across the city region, the City of Ekurhuleni’s Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) rescue teams and firefighters are on high alert.

Although the rains has ceased DEMS district manager media liaison William Ntladi said teams are closely monitoring flood-prone areas around the city.

This also includes low-lying bridges, informal and formal settlements next to water streams or rivers as well as the entire city in general where life-threatening emergencies can erupt.

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Safety tips to consider during heavy rains include:

• Adults to collect children from schools, and walk them safely home;
• Pedestrians to avoid walking on flooded bridges where water is at ankle level;
• Motorists to avoid driving across low-lying bridges covered by water;
• Motorists to keep a good following distance from each other;
• Maintain a slower speed to avoid accidents;
• Roadworthiness of the vehicles is of paramount importance (good tyre treads and wiper blades should be fully functional);
• Avoid littering at all costs as littering blocks stormwater drain systems.

In case of a life-threatening emergency, call DEMS at 011 458 0911 or 112.