Prepare and save lives
October 13 was the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, and disaster management authorities all over the world used the day to highlight the vulnerability of people living with disabilities in times of tragedy.
In observing this day, the City of Ekurhuleni’s Disaster Management team spent last week conducting visits to care centres and driving awareness on how they can prepare in order to reduce the impact of disasters.
It has been three years since a fire gutted the Pieter Wessels Old Age Home in Nigel, claiming the lives of 22 residents; two years since 12 people died in another fire at the Struisbult Care Centre in Springs and a tornado ripped through Duduza.
“It is a natural human reaction that the occurrences of environmental dangers, natural and man-made disasters will cause confusion and panic,” said the city’s director of disaster management, Anthony Kesten.
“Now, imagine the level of vulnerability and challenges such disruptions may have on a group of people living with physical and mental disabilities.
“It is a sad reality that these people are most likely to be forgotten or abandoned during disaster or emergency evacuation processes.”
The places that were visited last week include the Thembinkosi School for Learners with Special Educational needs in Tembisa, Casa Caritas Home for the Mentally and Physically Disabled in Kempton Park, Epilepsy SA in Springs and the Thalitha Stimulation Centre in Alberton.
Safety tips to bear in mind during an emergency:
* On the premises
* Place an evacuation floor plan and all emergency numbers in a busy area like a dining hall, where everyone can see it.
* Plan and rehearse an easy to remember evacuation drill.
* Make sure everyone is familiar with the method used to inform people about the occurrence of an emergency.
* Make arrangements with a nearby school, city hall or auditorium in case there is a need to seek refuge.
* Ensure all fire extinguishers and hoses are not tempered with, have been checked and regulated.
* Individuals
* If an electrical fire erupts, switch off the main switch using a non-conductive material like a wooden stick — not metal.
* Always have a “go bag” ready to be grabbed and taken along during an emergency.
* The bag should contain all the essential items you will need for a couple of days, necessary medication and copies of important documents like Identity Documents, Marital or Birth Certificates.
* Nurses, teachers and staff on duty should:
* Have a first aid kit and medical equipment.
* Sanitation and hygiene items.
* White distress flag/cloth, a whistle, flashing lights or glow sticks.
* Do a check to establish whether anyone is missing.
Lives can be saved in crises when people know what to do and what is expected of them to save their lives.
For further details and to arrange for free Public Information Education Relations (PIER) workshops, schools, care centres and homes may contact Bafana Mazibuko on 011 999 1665, or send an email to Bafana.Mazibuko@ekurhuleni.gov.za.
