During festive seasons, there is a lot of movement on the roads. Most businesses, industries, and educational institutions will be closed, and people will subsequently drive to various destinations across the country and beyond.

In light of all life-threatening emergencies, the Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) department remains on high alert to render necessary lifesaving services within and beyond the City of Ekurhuleni. It is the nature of services provided that the department is alert throughout, according to DEMS district manager media liaison William Ntladi.

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Most of the country’s national and major roads pass through the city, connecting it to all four cardinal points. Because of that, Ntladi says motor vehicle accidents might be something to anticipate.

Structural fires remain a concern. “During festivities, burning of tyres and fireworks are highly experienced during the New Year and Christmas as well. Many people are also celebrating and having barbecues (braais) in the comfort of their homes,” says Ntladi.

He adds that natural weather phenomena, such as rain and drought due to global warming, are anticipated to have a drastic impact as well.

“So far, a high amount of rain has been experienced across the City of Ekurhuleni and beyond the borders.

“The persistence of rain may contribute to flood incidents with high possibilities of drowning cases, hence aquatic teams, firefighters and disaster management officers from DEMS are on continuous alert and ready to respond and render necessary life preservation and intervention strategies,” Ntladi explains.

Should temperatures rise to extreme levels, he says, people prefer to cool themselves to acceptable levels; therefore, swimming will be one of the options.

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The district manager notes that scholars are on holiday and playing around open water streams within different settlements and swimming pools at parks during picnics, which are some of the focal points to zoom in on.

Disaster readiness and severe weather

Ntladi said it is vital for properties to have lightning arresters installed. People should avoid playing sports like golf, soccer and open water activities, to mention a few, during thunderstorms as that can lead to lightning strikes.

In terms of flooding, he said the city has several low-lying bridges. Trichardt Bridge in Boksburg, Stofberg Road and Voortrekker in Brakpan, President Street, Meyer Street, and Victoria Street in Germiston, Katlehong entrance next to Huntersfield Stadium, and many other residential areas built in the low-lying areas and next to water streams and rivers. The Natalspruit River being the focal point as religious and cultural rituals are performed there very often.

Ntladi said the amount of rain on the day determines the level of flooding. Some floods are caused by perimeter wall fencing, whereby people do not create gaps at the base of the walls to allow water to flow freely.

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Following the flooding of roads, the stormwater drain systems have been cleaned and debris removed to ensure free flow.

He said Gillooly’s interchange is one of those that experiences high amounts of water, especially during intense, heavy downpours/flash floods.

Motorists are also encouraged to drive cautiously when approaching low-lying bridges and flooded roadways due to possible slipperiness. Slower driving should be applied to avoid skidding. Vehicles should be roadworthy.

Water Safety:
• No drag play inside the swimming pools.
• At the pool, do not run; rather walk to avoid slipping.
• Only dive inside the water or section of the pool clearly marked as safe for diving.
• Enter feet first into unknown water.
• Avoid strong water current.
• For rituals, use life jackets and tie a safety rope and anchor on a safe, solid object.
• Open water (lakes, rivers and dams): be careful of broken glass or sharp objects.
• Do not swim alone.
• If you cannot swim, take swimming lessons in an appropriate municipal pool.
• Lock the perimeter fencing around the swimming pool to keep more minor children out.
• In the absence of a responsible person, cover the pool with a net or tarpaulin.

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Resources, challenges and support
In terms of resources, DEMS has an average of 1 fire engine per station across the City and maintains manpower as usual to respond to any eventualities. Operational preparedness is the priority, Ntladi says. He further explains that stations operate through district grouping systems and that vehicle resources are distributed according to needs and risk assessments. “Firefighters and officers won’t be going on holiday over the festive season,” said Ntladi.

When contacting emergency services:
• Dial Life Threatening Call Centre number: 011 458 0911 within the city of Ekurhuleni. This is a paid number. Alternatively: toll-free numbers; 112 from any cellphone and 10177 from a landline.
• State your name in full.
• State your contact number.
• State your emergency: ‘Why do you need help?’
• Give the exact address where the incident is.
• State challenges, if any. Boom-gates, entrapments in case of structural or vehicle fire incidents, flammable liquids, if any, confined spaces, eroded/flooded roads, fallen trees, or anything that might hinder the quick arrival of the intervention teams.
• Do the above first before trying to assist, such that every second becomes accounted for.
• Do not switch off the phone before being told to do so by the operator.