Emergency services on high alert during festive season
Operation teams will always remain in a state of readiness to go the extra mile to clear roads by cutting trees uprooted by storms while utility services are being activated.
The Tshwane Emergency Services Department (ESD) has announced it is on high alert for the festive season from December 2022 to January 2023.
EMS spokesperson Charles Mabaso said operation teams will always remain in a state of readiness responding to various emergency incidents that may occur during the festive season as well as daily operational events.
He said the ESD is an integral part of integrated response services during the festive season, with the TMPD, SAPS, and regional heads of the seven regions of Tshwane and other Tshwane metro departments.
“During this festive season, ESD fire safety officers will participate in special joint operations with other stakeholders to verify and check for applicable approvals or licencing and to possibly issue contravention notices.
The officers will also inspect special events that have been approved by the City’s Events Joint Operations Committee,” said Mabaso.
He said the emergency services’ Public Information, Education and Relations (PIER) team will continue to offer fire and life safety awareness to communities and places of learning as part of their disaster risk reduction measures.
The ESD will post summer safety tips on various media platforms to keep the community informed and educated on fire and life safety matters.
“Various parts of Tshwane are already experiencing the impact of disruptive rain and storms with the flooding of susceptible roads and low-lying bridges that made travelling difficult and disrupted normal daily living of some households where yards and houses were waterlogged.
“Our disaster risk management teams are working with relevant City departments to coordinate the implementation of the City’s Flood Incident Management Plan.”
Safety tips on floods, drowning, and lighting:
– Make a habit of following weather alerts issued by the South African Weather Services and Emergency Services.
– Avoid low-lying bridges during a flood.
– If trapped in a vehicle during a flood, abandon the vehicle and climb to high ground.
– Do not drive on a road if it is completely covered by water and you cannot see the road surface (you do not know how deep it is or if the road is washed away)
– Be especially cautious at night when it is harder to recognise flood dangers.
– Avoid low spots, like ditches, basements, or underpasses as these become extremely dangerous during a flash flood.
– Ensure that children are always under supervision around swimming pools.
All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. Fortunately, people can be safe if they follow some simple guidelines when thunderstorms are forecast.
– Have a lightning safety plan: Know where you will go for safety and ensure that you have enough time to get there.
– Postpone activities: Consider postponing activities if thunderstorms are forecast.
– Monitor the weather: Once outside, look for signs of a developing or approaching thunderstorm, such as towering clouds, darkening skies or flashes of lightning.
– Get to a safe place: If you hear thunder, even a distant rumble, seek safety immediately. Fully enclosed buildings with wiring and plumbing are best. A hard-topped metal vehicle with the windows closed is also safe. Stay inside until 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder. Sheds, picnic shelters, tents or covered porches do NOT protect you from lightning.
– If you hear thunder, do not use a corded phone except in an emergency: Cordless phones and cellphones are safe to use.
– Keep away from electrical equipment and plumbing: Lightning will travel through the wiring and plumbing if your building is struck. Do not take a bath or shower, or wash dishes during a storm.
Mabaso further said their operation teams remain on high alert and will continue to monitor low-water bridges and other known flooding hotspots.
Operation teams will always remain in a state of readiness to go the extra mile to clear roads by cutting trees uprooted by storms while utility services are being activated.
The teams are also on high alert to respond to any motor vehicle incidents on our routes and highways, and any form of emergency reported to their call centre on the 107 toll-free number.
“We urge residents to be mindful of the risk of trees being uprooted by winds since the ground is already wet in most places, which might result in damage to infrastructure and properties, as well as danger to humans due to flying debris. The fact that motorists need to adhere to traffic regulations and road safety measures during this period can never be overemphasised.
Residents must remain vigilant and consider their and others’ safety as a priority during this season. Things that amuse us, like fireworks, swimming pools and so on, tend to be a risk to our lives and property.
No person may deal in fireworks unless that person
– Holds the required firework licence in terms of the Explosives Act, 2003 (Act 15 of 2003); and
– Has the written authority of the Chief Fire Officer.
The public can help to ensure a safer festive season by bringing contraventions of the above to the attention of Tshwane law enforcement units at the following numbers:
– Disturbance of peace: TMPD on 012 358 7095/7096
– Fire hazard at premises: ESD on 107 or 012 310 6300/6400 or 012 310 6200 during office hours (08:00 to 16:00)
– Animals in distress or cruelty to animals: Waltloo SPCA on 083 453 3863 or Centurion SPCA on 082 807 5671
He concluded to enable emergency response and coordination of other response measures during storms or any life-threatening emergency, dial 107 toll-free from a landline or cellphone.
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