Who will you call in an emergency?
The Courier decided to test some local emergency numbers to figure out who exactly to call when the worst happens.
Dialling an emergency number should be a quick and clear process – but which numbers should you dial when the worst happens, and how long would you expect to wait before someone finally answers at the other end?
In a recent sms KwaDukuza municipality informed the community that its emergency number was changing from the old 032-946 2711 to the new 032-437 5570.
The Courier decided to test some local emergency numbers to figure out who exactly to call when the worst happens.
The Umhlali SAPS can be reached on 032-947 9900.
Testing this number, it rang 15 times before an answer at the first attempt and a quickfire two rings on the next try later that day.
The old Ballito Fire and Emergency number was 032-946 8000 – this number is one of those that you’ll want to remove from your list as it was busy no matter how often it was dialled over a course of several days.
For fire emergencies, dial KDM emergency number, 032-437 5570.
The Ballito UIP emergency number is 086 111 1588.
During the first few attempts last week this number was unavailable but it’s back up and running now and was answered after only six rings.
The number is specifically for security-related issues.
For a provincial ambulance, dialling 10177 will take you through to the Durban provincial ambulance services, but if you dial 112 from a cellphone and follow the voice prompts, an ambulance in your area will be dispatched.
For local ambulance services, dialling 032-437 6400 will, hopefully, get you some assistance.
On the first few attempts this number rang endlessly but this week it seems to be up and running once more and was answered after just seven rings.
Sembcorp Siza Water can be reached on 032-946 7200 and, after listening to a lengthy recorded message, you will get through to somebody who can help you with your water-related issues.
For electricity issues/queries, the old 032-551 3413 number is no longer in service and tracking down a number that does work led from the municipal communications officer through the fire department before finally landing at 032-437 5081 – a number answered after 14 rings.
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