CMLM puts emergency plans in place as Eloise approaches

The office of the municipal manager issued a press release today stating that the City is on high alert following reports from the South African Weather Service of the cyclone’s “imminent effects”.

The City said it had already put contingency plans in place to respond to any incidents of flooding or other effects due to the storm.

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The statement urged the public to limit travelling or postpone driving as far as possible, and to avoid low-lying areas as well as surfaces that appear flooded.

“Communities are urged to be on the lookout for dangerous situations and to stay clear of such,” it said.

The municipality provided the following safety tips when confronted with severe rain:

• Park your vehicle undercover and delay travelling until the storm has subsided.

• If caught in the storm, look for cover. This could include a covered car park, a petrol station or under a bridge. Take extreme care when pulling over on the roadside and switch on your hazard lights.

• Do not park under trees. Stay in your vehicle and only leave once the storm has passed.

• If you are on the road and visibility is poor or the road is too slippery, rather pull over and switch on your hazard lights until visibility or traction improves.

• Make sure that any dead and rotting branches are removed from trees to avoid the risk of falling debris during a severe storm. Also ensure that debris is removed from roofs and gutters.

• Make sure your outdoor furniture is safely stored or firmly secured.

• The power surge of a lightning strike can easily overload appliances and devices. It is best to unplug these before the storm arrives.

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The municipality also provided the following safety tips when confronted with flooding:

• It is sensible to purchase your own supply of sandbags that can be placed against doorways and low-level vents in times of flooding to help minimise the amount of water entering your house. Move valuables to the highest possible floor or shelf if a flood threatens.

• General and regular home maintenance, like clearing debris from gutters, is essential and will limit most damage and discomfort in times of disaster.

• Turn off gas and electricity if flooding occurs.

• Motorists should not attempt to drive in flood conditions. Remember that just 15 centimetres of moving water can knock you off your feet and water just 60 centimetres deep can sweep a vehicle away. Generally, if the water is deeper than the bottom of your vehicle doors or the bottom third of your wheels, it is not advisable to drive through it.

• Flash flooding often occurs when rivers flow over low-lying bridges. Avoid crossing bridges or roads next to rivers during heavy rain. If you do get stuck on a flooded road, it is best to switch to the lowest possible gear and proceed slowly. If you approach a flooding stormwater drain at speed, it is advisable to take your foot off the accelerator and let your speed drop gradually. Never use the brakes suddenly as this may cause the vehicle to skid or aquaplane.

• If trapped in a vehicle during flooding, rather abandon the vehicle and climb to higher ground.

It is dangerous to try to drive out of the water to safety. All disaster situations should be reported to the emergency centre on 013-753-3331.

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