Proactive measures can save your life

Nerine Niemand from Florida writes:

I just read Riaan’s article on your web site about “Having this could save your life” and I would like to even go further…

Not all the residents of Roodepoort knows there are a number of very dedicated people within the Roodepoort area that volunteer their services and time towards the Disaster Management Advisory Sub Forum within Region C (Roodepoort Area). SAPS, our COJ Emergency Services, PIER Division, internal and external role players plays a significant role on this forum, acting pro-actively as well as re-actively in cases of “Disasters” and “Incidents”.

Having the answers to all of the questions ready in time of an emergency when phoning 10111 can definitely save your life… but think a little bit further.

Don’t just think about Crime but also think of general accidents that may occur from time to time at home, in the workplace or even on the Rugby Field. Will emergency services be able to reach you in rapid response time? Is your house clearly marked on the outside, or do you believe that by not marking your house it would keep crime away – because believe me, people can sometimes be so uninformed and then make stupid decisions that can negatively affect the greater good. The City By-Laws clearly indicates that all premises street numbers must be clearly visible. There is a very good reason why this is a by-law.

We receive a lot of complaints especially from our Emergency Services (SAPS, Ambulance Services, Fire Brigade, Security Firms and blockwatches etc) that visible house numbers are one of the biggest problems when it comes to response. For an ambulance to reach a specific address of which the street number is not clearly visible can easily jeopardise your life. You don’t have to go and buy – these copper numbers that will just be stolen within 24 hours or even before that! Contact your neighbourhood forum and they will be more than willing to assist with the best possible advise. It doesn’t even have to be expensive nor an eyesore as long as the number is visible it can save your life.

The second issue I want to target is Fire Hydrants. According to City-By Laws fire-hydrants need to be regularly checked and at all times be ready for use in case of emergencies. The normal location of a fire-hydrant is approximately 100 meters apart from each other except for in conditions of town-house complexes and high-rise building such as businesses and flats. Please ensure that you know the location of your nearest fire-hydrant to your premises. Don’t be ignorant and later complain about the fire department not be able to save your house and property. Be vigilant, it can save the life of your family or even a neighbour. I also want to encourage our residents to be even more pro-active with the fire-hydrant issue, please report the location of your fire-hydrant to your local blockwatch. The members of the block watch within your community serve as “first responders”, they will be the first on the scene in many instances and can assist the Fire Department with this information, once again by doing this a life can be saved.

The third issue I would like to target is “Know your neighbour”. You don’t have to like your neighbour, but please go out and introduce yourself, believe me it’s to the benefit of both yourself and your neighbour. Have you ever thought about, leaving for work on a Tuesday morning and your house catches fire (accidents do happen), will your neighbour be able to get a hold of you in case of emergency? Will he be able to contact you, or will you discover that your entire house burnt down at night when arriving back at home or even worst?

Be vigilant, Be Pro-active, ‘it can save a life!’ It could be yours!