Heavy rains may cause floods again

NELSPRUIT – Due to what some believe may be caused by global warming, weather patterns are beyond normal and very difficult to predict, due to dry and wet seasons becoming longer.
During the months of December to March, rain may pour down unexpectedly and without warning. It is advised by the Disaster Management Unit of Mpumalanga to prepare for storms to hit the province at any stage due to sudden weather changes. Like the old saying goes, prevention is better than cure.
This means to be prepared for floods. Knowing where your family members are, and not leaving youngsters near water unattended, could prevent unfortunate accidents. It is always a good idea to have a plan ready for when disaster might strike.
To prevent flooding in your yard, make sure your drainage pipes/holes are always open and in a condition to let water through. When weather warnings are broadcasted, the actions that should be taken are to gather family members together, especially children and plan the routes you are to travel on, according to weather warnings supplied by weatherboards across the country.
Disaster Management Units are trained to warn people to take action against floods – it is advised to pay attention to those warnings. You are responsible for your life, and that of those around you. Always stay aware of your surroundings, be logical, stay calm and stay alert.
When driving in bad weather conditions, remember the following: The size of contact your tyres make with the road is as small as an average handpalm. This shows how important it is to assure your tyres and shock absorbers are always in good condition. If you find come across flooded roads, it is important to observe your surroundings and drive slowly. If you cannot see the surface of the road, it is unsafe to drive at a high speed. A car can get aquaplaned (a term used for a car driving on water) from as little as five millimetres of water on the roads’ surface.
When you plan on swimming, stay away from rivers, as it holds a great deal of danger. Do not ignore weather warnings, and if you come across a flooded bridge, do not turn away without warning others. Always call officials to assist motorists. Lowvelders should always be prepared to handle four seasons in one day.