Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Environmental Affairs, and Development Planning, Anton Bredell, has confirmed that the provincial government is ready for the upcoming winter season.
Several days of cold and wet weather are forecast for the remainder of this week and into next week in the Western Cape.
Bredell announced that disaster and emergency services will closely monitor the situation to respond swiftly where needed.
“The Provincial Disaster Management Centre coordinates and supports the district disaster centres, and each local municipality in the province knows what is expected during the coming winter months to keep people safe,” Bredell said.
In light of the recent tragic drowning of a young woman at a low-level bridge in Slanghoek, Bredell emphasised the importance of reminding the public about safety precautions during inclement weather.
In addition, the Provincial Disaster Management Centre has advised residents to create a household emergency plan to ensure they know what to do in the event of a flood.
“Assess where you live, as your home may flood if you are near a river or if there is poor drainage. Assemble a grab-and-go kit and keep it in a designated, easily accessible location,” the centre said.
The grab-and-go kit should contain:
• Important documents such as IDs, passports, birth certificates, policies and clinic cards
• Cellphone charger
• Essential medication and copies of prescriptions
• Credit cards and money
• First aid kit.
“We appeal to the public not to litter or dump in stormwater drains, as this will stop the water from draining away and cause even more flooding,” Bredell said.
When heavy rains occur, it is important to keep the following in mind:
• Stay informed and heed warnings. Listen to the radio or check reliable social media sources, such as the South African Weather Services or your local municipality, for updates on areas at risk of flooding
• Store a supply of drinking water
• If you live in a flood-prone area or are camping in a low-lying area, get to higher ground immediately
• If told to evacuate by authorities, please do so immediately. Lock your home when you leave. If you have time, disconnect utilities and appliances
• Avoid areas, roads, and passes that are subject to sudden flooding
• Avoid damaged live electrical infrastructure
• Avoid walking or driving through flooded roads. Just 15cm of fast-moving water can knock you down, and a depth of two feet can float a car. Never attempt to walk, swim, or drive through rapidly flowing water
• Avoid contact with flood water as it can be mixed with sewerage, oil, fuel, or dangerous chemicals
• Prevent children from playing in and near flood waters
Bredell asked the public to trust and listen to emergency personnel when instructions are issued relating to flood prevention or during rescue operations.
“These men and women are trained to keep us safe, and they risk their own lives to do this. We can reduce these risks by giving our full cooperation and sharing a mindset of rather safe than sorry.”
Do you have an emergency ‘grab-and-go’ kit?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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