The City of Ekurhuleni’s DEMS is preparing for its summer awareness campaign, which will run until the end of March 2026, focusing on seasonal risks such as floods, heatwaves, lightning, and drownings.

DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi said the campaign follows the completion of the winter campaign. From an operational perspective, he added that the Technical Rescue Teams (TRT) have already begun water rescue exercises.

“Last week, Friday, September 26, the team was at Homestead Lake in Benoni to sharpen their operational skills. The next exercise will take place on September 30 at Germiston Lake at 10:00 in the morning,” Ntladi said.

He also explained that the operational teams hold bi-weekly planning meetings to identify strategies and tackle new challenges as they arise.

In terms of disaster management, Ntladi said temporary shelters for communities affected by disasters have been identified and disaster relief supplies accumulated.

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“Memoranda of agreement on service delivery with companies such as SANTAM, Meals on Wheels, NSRI, and Red Cross have been signed to enhance services to affected communities. The Human Settlement and Housing Development departments assisted in identifying temporary shelters and disaster relief aids,” he said.

From a media perspective, Ntladi added that DEMS will release alerts immediately in line with South African Weather Service (SAWS) warnings. Constant communication and engagement are essential.

Interviews with local radio stations will continue to alert residents, particularly those living near flood-prone areas. Waterways and drowning-prone points have been identified, including areas used for religious and cultural rituals.

“Since warmer summer days are approaching, more of these practices will take place and alerts are always communicated through various media platforms,” he said.

Ntladi also shared road safety tips for motorists:
• Ensure tyres are roadworthy.
• Make sure water/rain wipers are fully functional.
• Check that the vehicle’s air-conditioning system works and can clear steam from windows.
• Ensure all vehicle lamps are functional.
• Maintain a safe following distance, reduce speed, and use indicators and vehicle lights correctly.
• Be cautious of potholes hidden by water on the roads.
• Water damming on road sides can cause vehicles to skid and may lead to crashes or fatalities.
• Do not drink and drive, use cellphones while driving, or overload vehicles.

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