With safety being the primary objective, the CoE continues to conduct campaigns through various residential areas, targeting vulnerable communities with safety messages to stay alive.

William Ntladi, the media liaison of the Emergency Services, said DEMS still encounters various fire-related incidents.

“These are accompanied by critical injuries and, in the worst-case scenarios, deaths. One of the main concerns DEMS experienced from various communities is, ‘How to get help in case of emergency?’. An informed community builds a resilient nation,” he said.

Procedurally, this is what is encouraged:

• Ensure you know the contact number for the life-threatening emergency call centre in the CoE: 011 458 0911.

• Speak clearly on the phone and tell the call centre operator your name.

• Spell words that might be problematic for the operator.

• Give the exact locations and type of incident to the operator.

• In case of fires, tell the operator what is burning so they dispatch the correct resources.

For more information, communities can visit their fire stations for safety messages.