EMS launches a winter safety campaign in Zandspruit informal settlement

The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) led by the MMC for Public Safety, councillor Michael Sun launched the winter safety campaign in Zandspruit informal settlement on 1 June.

The campaign aims to help reduce the number of fires in the City’s 189 informal settlements which usually spike during winter months.

Scores of residents were given Jozi Safety Kits in an effort to introduce them to other heat energy sources which would help prevent fires and fatalities.

EMS has established that the number of lives and properties were lost due to the unsafe use of heating and lighting appliances such as paraffin stoves, heaters and braziers.

“These fires have led to unnecessary deaths and loss of property, leaving communities in a vulnerable state. These unforeseen circumstances are preventable if people use proper cooking and lighting equipment and know how to identify the risks in their households and remove them,” said EMS spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi.

He said since the inception of Jozi Safety Kits in the 2008/09 financial year, the City has seen a reduction in fires by about 50 per cent.

“Although we cannot give all residents [the kits], we encourage them to buy these items in order to keep safe during this season,” Mulaudzi said.

About 1 000 households from various informal settlements across the City are expected to receive these kits during June and July. Areas identified to benefit this year include Diepsloot Ext 1, Slovoville, Zandspruit, Protea South, Alexandra Township Women’s Hostel, Roseacres and Orange Farm.

Some of the residents from Zandspruit informal settlement were trained on fire prevention and shown how to put out a fire.

Sun and Chief of EMS, Tshepo Makola conducted a walk-about in the informal settlement during the launch.

Ward 114 councillor Victor Mafinya endorsed the initiative and said the City must also focus on training the people who spend most of the day in the settlement, unlike residents who go out looking for jobs during the day.

“This must be done in all sections of the settlements. The City must also get small emergency cars which can easily navigate and access the area during an emergency,” Mafinya said.

The Jozi Safety Kit comprises:

• Para-safe stove which extinguishes itself in the event of excessive movement
• Smoke detector which serves as an early warning system
• Burn kit to treat minor burns
• Lantern light
• 25-litre bucket which can be used to store water and can be used as an extinguishing agent in case of a fire.

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Details: Johannesburg Emergency Management Services 011 758 9100.