The Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) has begun the start of its safety awareness campaign throughout the city of Ekurhuleni.
Mr William Ntladi, the spokesperson for the DEMS, said the objective of the campaign is to alert various communities in Ekurhuleni about the dangers relating to the festive season.
“Emergencies such as flash floods, lightning strikes, thunderstorms, hailstorms and heat waves are highly likely during the summer season. All of these have the potential of having devastating effects on human life,” said Mr Ntladi.
He said the campaign will also see other engagements with the community, including a drive to ensure child safety while travelling in motor vehicles.
“Children become projectiles during accidents, escalating what could have been a minor incident to a fatal accident,” said Mr Ntladi.
The DEMS urges all motorists and passengers to buckle up for a journey, no matter the length of the journey.
Mr Ntladi said during the campaign, Public Information Education and Relations (PIER) officers together with disaster management officers will be seen in different areas around the city, engaging with communities in various ways.
“Shopping centres and major intersections are some of the targeted areas where the officers will engage with communities about summer safety,” said Mr Ntladi.
In case of emergencies, community members can call:
- The municipal direct emergency line: 011 458-0911.
- Cellphone emergency number: 112.
- The national emergency number: 10177.
“Ensure that you have the emergency call centre contact numbers readily and clearly displayed for everyone to know and to use,” said Mr Ntladi.
He said the numbers should be saved and easy to access on your telephone or cellular phone.
Mr Ntladi said it is important for callers to speak clearly on the phone when reporting an emergency; provide the operators with all the necessary details required and not to end the conversation until all the questions are answered.
“Emergency Services and Disaster Management will be on high alert throughout the festive season,” said Mr Ntladi.
