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By Botho Molosankwe 
7h ago
Johannesburg – Ekurhuleni City Disaster and Emergency Management Services has warned residents to be vigilant in their homes and on roads, as South Africa’s Meteorological Services say there will be more rain.
Heavy downpours can cause flooding. Residents are urged to ensure the safety of their pets and animals, as well as their belongings and personal property.
Spokesman Willie Ntladi said that while rescue teams are at the ready, heavy downpours with thunderstorms were the most dangerous.
“They cause power outages and damage infrastructure and water levels rise rapidly, raising the risk of flooding. Floods can occur with little warning or develop slowly after the rain has stopped in low-lying areas. “
Now that tuition students are writing exams, Ntladi said it was important for parents to make sure they left earlier than usual for school and test centers, in case rivers, firs, and sewers crossing into your way will flood. They can use alternative routes.
“In general, parents are encouraged to accompany young children to their different learning institutions for safety reasons.
“The surfaces of the pipe are slippery. Pedestrians walking on them can fall into flooded rivers and drown. Trenches that are left open act like a death trap. Unsuspecting pedestrians can fall and eventually drown. “
Ntladi said that people who live in low-lying areas should take special precautions during adverse weather conditions.
He said they should monitor the rising water level and evacuate to a safer location or higher places in case the water level rises.
Ntladi offers additional security measures:
l Don’t walk, swim, or drive through floodwaters, turn around and use an alternate route; Stay away from bridges over fast-moving streams.
l Depending on the type of flood, evacuate if instructed.
l Monitor radios and televisions for weather alerts and avoid driving through flooded areas and standing water, which can cause you to lose control of your vehicle and crash.
l Do not drink flood water, or use it to wash dishes, brush teeth, or wash / prepare food. Drink clean and safe water; dispose of food and bottled water that may have been found in the flood water.
l Keep your cell phone available and have emergency numbers handy.
l Be vigilant at night. Life-threatening road and water obstacles are harder to recognize.
l Don’t camp or park your car along rivers, especially during heavy rain or thunderstorms.
l If you are walking, be aware that low-level water can also be dangerous during floods. If you come across moving water or a dam, don’t walk into it.
l Wherever possible, communities are encouraged to try to avoid contact with flood waters. The water can be contaminated with sewage, oil, or other dangerous substances, and it can also be charged with electricity from downed power lines.
MESS
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