Stay safe this winter: Ekurhuleni DEMS launches awareness campaign
As winter brings cold snaps and increased fire risk, residents are urged to be proactive.
Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) continues to raise awareness about winter safety to educate residents and different communities within the City of Ekurhuleni about different weather patterns and conditions during winter.
According to William Ntladi, DEMS district manager media liaison, winter is characterised by extreme cold weather whereby temperatures are reduced to minimal levels. In some instances, they might reach sub-zero levels with possibilities of snowfall.
“Such conditions have negative effects on lives, human settlements, infrastructure and other essential services which often impact negatively on municipal services and economic systems,” said Ntladi.
“These conditions require alertness from disaster and emergency services to minimise the impact of incidents. Increasing public focus and awareness on fire safety preserves lives and properties. Awareness and informed communities are important for human behavioural change.”
Ntladi explained it is important for communities to help themselves during fire incidents prior to the arrival of firefighters as this helps in the reduction of structural damage and preservation of lives. Ntladi stated fires are either accidental or deliberate.
“Preventative measures are primary pillars of the campaign which is to raise awareness on safety-related practices,” he said.
“The focus is on the main causes of fire incidents such as heating appliances, lighting appliances and cooking appliances.
“One other prominent cause of infrastructure fires is negligence – making fires outside or leaving them unmonitored.”
Veld fires are one type of fire that contribute to loss of lives and infrastructure damage.
“Due to dense vegetation, discarded lit cigarettes butts are contributing factors of veld fires. Near major routes, motorists’ vision is diminished and fatal pile-up crashes become imminent,” said Ntladi.
“Fire services’ response alone cannot be sufficient without positive contributions by communities. It is important to activate professionals immediately after identifying a possible disaster or life-threatening emergency to save time, unlike first trying then calling for help.”
For public information education and relations, community members are requested to call 011 999 5491.
ALSO READ: Stakeholders unite to celebrate and safeguard children
ALSO READ: SANBS launches National Blood Donor Month 2025: ‘Give blood, give hope’
