City Parks is on standby to attend to fallen trees and branches.
As the rainy season returns, the potential of trees being uprooted and branches falling and obstructing roads increases – and the City of Johannesburg has said they are on standby to attend to this.
Joburg City Parks and Zoo is the entity responsible for clearing fallen trees and branches and the damage caused by it. Residents can report fallen trees and hanging branches to trees@jhbcityparks.com or register general enquiries on the Joburg Connect call centre on 011 375 5555.
City Parks appealed to residents to only escalate fallen and uprooted trees to the emergency WhatsApp number – 082 803 0748 – by forwarding the full address, street corners, contact details and a photo of the tree/s.
ER24 has provided general safety tips for the public for whenever the possibility of heavy rains and flash floods occur:
- Keep an eye out for weather warnings. Only trust verified and credible sources. Do not immediately believe messages circulating on social media as these cause unnecessary panicking.
- If caught in a heavy storm, try and find cover. Avoid being in open spaces or near large trees as the chances of getting struck by lightning will increase.
- Visibility will be decreased during heavy rains – your ability to see other vehicles on the road as well as pedestrians will be affected. Increase your following distance and decrease your speed.
- Ensure that your vehicle is roadworthy and your windscreen wipers are in perfect condition.
- Should you decide to stop your journey, rather stop at a filling station or covered area. Avoid stopping on the side of the road/highway or under bridges.
- Do not attempt to cross the road or surface of flooded areas. Seek an alternative route.
- If you are trapped in your vehicle during a flash flood, rather abandon your vehicle to try and get to higher ground.
- If you are swept away while in the floodwaters, try to grab onto anything you can to pull yourself to safety.
- If flooding occurs at your home, ensure that all your electrical devices are switched off at the main distribution board.
- Have a first aid kit nearby and keep emergency numbers at hand.
