The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department would like to share the following safety tips for the festive season that is almost upon us.
While travelling or driving
- Safe driving is important: Concentrate on the road and avoid distracted driving.
- Follow the rules of the road and observe the road environment.
- Take regular breaks and stretch to refresh your mind and body.
- Do not drink and drive. Drinking under the influence of intoxicating substances is dangerous and contributes to road accidents that may result in serious injuries and sometimes even fatalities.
- Avoid nighttime driving or driving in poor weather conditions or poor visibility.
- Check the roadworthiness of your vehicle.
- Avoid smoking near flammable liquids, especially at filling stations.
Flammable items and electricity at home
- Store flammable items in safe places away from sources of ignition and fire.
- Store gas cylinders away from heat sources and make sure that they are properly maintained.
- Be careful when using alternative heating sources.
- Make sure that electrical wires are not exposed or bare.
- Do not overload extension cords or outlets.
- Decorative lighting safety: Check that Christmas lights are certified and free of frayed wires or broken bulbs. Do not overload power outlets and avoid placing lights near flammable materials, like curtains or Christmas trees.
- Keep your Christmas tree away from fireplaces and candles and ensure that it is secure to prevent tipping.
- Electrical appliance check: Before leaving for holiday trips, unplug all non-essential electrical appliances to reduce fire risks from electrical faults.
Smoke alarms
- Install smoke alarms if possible.
- Place smoke alarms on every level of your home.
- Place smoke alarms inside bedrooms on the ceiling or high on the wall (10 cm or 30 cm from the ceiling), at the top of open stairways or at the bottom of enclosed stairs, and near (but not in) the kitchen (use heat detectors for the kitchen).
Escaping a fire
- Have an escape plan, review escape routes and practise escaping from each room.
- Stay close to the floor where the air is safer during a fire.
- Clean out trash regularly and do not let trash accumulate.
Thunderstorms and floods
- If possible, stay indoors and away from metal objects and unplug electronics to avoid power surges from lightning.
- Do not seek shelter under trees or tall objects.
- Avoid crossing flooded low-lying roads, bridges and swollen streams. Do not attempt to walk, swim or drive through floodwaters.
- Be aware that any combination of hail, strong winds, heavy rain and/or excessive lightning can accompany storms.
Swimming pools and rivers
- Swim in approved areas or in pools with lifeguards in the safe depth end according to your swimming capabilities.
- Avoid swimming in rivers as it could be raining upstream and the river could flood without notice.
- Ensure that children are always supervised around water.
Fireworks
- To ensure public safety, the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department wishes to proactively warn any person who participates in the discharging of fireworks within the City’s jurisdiction that these private displays need to be approved by the Emergency Services Department.
- Only allow trained professionals to handle fireworks. If permitted to use fireworks, follow the guidelines provided by the Emergency Services Department, keep fireworks away from buildings and people, and have water or a fire extinguisher ready.
Heatwaves
Residents must be aware of adverse effects that may be caused by extended exposure to extreme heat weather conditions. The effects may include dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
The following precautionary measures can be taken:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, even if you are not thirsty, to prevent dehydration. Avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which can dehydrate you.
- Limit outdoor activities, especially during the hottest time of the day, which is usually from 10:00 to 14:00.
- Wear loose clothing and avoid dark-coloured clothing where possible.
- Remain in the shade where possible.
- Keep an eye on vulnerable individuals.
- Ensure that children or animals are not left in parked vehicles.
- Avoid strenuous physical activity if possible.
Emergency contacts and numbers
- Save emergency contact numbers like the 107 toll-free number for fire and metro police (in Tshwane) on all family members’ phones.
Residents are encouraged to monitor the warnings and alerts issued by the South African Weather Service and other credible sources, and to immediately follow the recommended safety tips. We further call on residents to be vigilant and to immediately report any fire or rescue incident on 107 toll-free or by calling 012 358 6300/6400.
Issued by the City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department.
