Joburg EMS gears up for winter

20 May 2016

 

The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) has launched its annual winter safety campaign in a move to prevent fire-related fatalities and injuries, particularly in informal settlements.

 

During a demonstration at the Kliptown informal settlement in Soweto as part of the rollout of the winter safety campaign, EMS officials shared information on the many preventative measures residents needed to always bear in mind, especially during winter.

EMS Spokesman Robert Mulaudzi says informal settlements tended to experience most fire outbreaks in winter.

“It’s very easy for fire to spread because the shacks are built close to one another. Controlling fires in informal settlements therefore becomes difficult,” says Mulaudzi.

“It’s amazing how people can make informed decisions and prevent the loss of life and limb once they have all the information. It’s crucial for us to engage the community and have practical demonstrations to illustrate to them how we work. “The main reason for the campaign is to educate community members about fire safety and the safe use of candles or braziers. This will, in return, reduce the number of fire incidents and fatalities. “The campaign will target all the informal settlements in Johannesburg during May, June and July,” says Mulaudzi.

Kliptown resident Dan Vilakazi, 43, says when it rained, EMS vehicles struggled to navigate his area.

“There are no proper streets and when one calls an ambulance or a fire engine, one has to go and wait for them in the main road,” says Vilakazi. Mohammed Mahri, Officer in Charge at the Eldorado Park Be Safe, says his organisation was working with community policing forums and the police.

“We teach the community how to be safe and how to use candles during this winter season. It’s also a way to build good relations with the community we serve.”

Community educator Mphonyana Makau urged residents not to smoke in bed or keep any flammable liquids near stoves in the kitchen.

Residents can dial (011) 375-5911 in case of an emergency.