Although the City of Cape Town makes every effort to prepare for winter rains, it is impossible to actually prevent flooding, particularly in low-lying informal settlements.

This is why the City has embarked on a wide-scale public awareness programme, to help people who live in high-risk areas prepare for the winter weather – and prevent flooding in whatever way they can.

The City’s Service Integration department has identified 24 areas (largely on the Cape Flats) that are at high risk of flooding; these areas are either flat, have high water tables or limited natural watercourses (such as wetlands) that act as natural sponges to prevent flooding.

Public awareness sessions held by the Disaster Risk Management team have been held in 14 of these areas so far. The team is on track to visit the remaining high-risk areas before the depth of winter 2009. They offer information to community leaders, organisations and the public about the dangers of flooding, and give practical tips on flood prevention tactics.

How to reduce your risk of flooding:

• Check that the drainage system on your property is not blocked
• Raise the floor level of your house so that it is higher than the land outside
• Move to higher ground if you stay in a flood-prone area
• Dig furrows around your house to divert water away from the home
• Report any blocked drains, intakes and illegal dumping
• Make sure that your roof is waterproof
• Clear your gutters, down-pipes and furrows
• Remove dead branches from trees
• Secure any furniture that can be blown over or damaged by the wind.

How the City is reducing your risk of flooding

The City is working hard to remove silt and other debris from the underground systems and stormwater catchpits. In addition, stormwater teams are inspecting stormwater outlets in ponds, rivers and canals, and cleaning them as and when required. Gabion weirs have been built in the streams around mountains and slopes (such as Devil’s Peak) that have recently been burned, to intercept debris and slow the flow of water down the slopes.

Various emergency shelters have been identified to help reduce the disruption of lives and community activities in the event of flooding. People will be encouraged to first try and find alternative accommodation with neighbours, friends or families before being housed in community facilities.

• Report flooding, blocked drains and service disruptions to the City’s all hours Technical Operations Centre at 0860 103 054.
• In the event of a life- or property-threatening emergency, call 107 from a landline or
  021 480 7700 from a cellphone.