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City Services prepare for winter

With the current cold front an indication that winter is on our doorstep, various City of Cape Town Departments are ready to ensure that the City minimises the risk of flooding and damage during winter storms. This will be a challenging winter as we are adapting to a new way of life as one city together during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Yesterday, the Winter Readiness Task Team, represented by more than 20 City Departments as well as other governmental agencies had their first operational meeting. Chaired by a representative from the Disaster Risk Management Centre , the Task Team coordinates and addresses operational deliverables to mitigate the risk of flooding and damage to infrastructure. Most departments started with their planning at the end of last year and are currently busy with ongoing assessments. The Task Team will meet every second week and as winter progresses, meetings could be scheduled more frequently as the situation dictates.The winter readiness plan gives effect to how the various City of Cape Town Departments will follow an inter-departmental approach to deal with eventualities and possible flood damage during the wet winter season. The Disaster Risk Management Centre(DRMC) plays an integral role in the planning, assessment and execution of measures to manage the risk of flooding and disasters and to react swiftly when needed.The DRMC work together with departments such as Solid Waste Management, Social Development and Early Childhood Development, Community Services and Health, Transport, Traffic Services, Fire and Rescue Service, Development Services, Human Settlements and the Public Emergency Communications Centre. Apart from the identified high risk areas, the Task Team will also concentrate on the various COVID-19 hotspot areas. ‘Planning ahead for winter is important as we need to be ready and have the necessary services in place to serve and protect our communities during winter storms. Although we learn from previous years, this year will have new challenges as preventative measures during the COVID-19 pandemic has become part of our daily routine. Departments will have an added responsibility in ensuring that everyone adheres to the national lockdown regulations. Although it is the City’s responsibility to manage the risk of floods and storms, residents also have a responsibility to ensure that we all do our part to limit the spread and risk of COVID-19 during the coming winter months,’ said the Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith. It is extremely important that residents take steps to ensure the prevention of flooding this winter. The DRMC advises that residents should act now and ensure that they have taken the necessary precautions to minimise the risk of flooding. It is everyone’s responsibility to minimise the risk of flooding. Preventing flooding could be done by; <ul><li>Ensuring the roof and outer walls of your home are rain proof</li><li>Digging canals to direct water away from your home</li><li>Building your dwelling higher than the average water level in your area</li></ul>As flooding is inevitable, residents should adhere to the following in the event of flooding:<ul><li>Do not touch any electrical appliances</li><li>Warn children not to play in flood water</li><li>Help family and friends and provide them with temporary shelter</li></ul>Taking the above precautionary steps into consideration, personal and community hygiene and wearing a mask is important. Experience has shown that winter is also the time when there is an increased risk of structural fires. The DRMC advises the following with regards to minimising the risk of fires:<ul><li>Always ensure that cooking fires are extinguished properly</li><li>Keep a bucket of sand and a bucket of water handy</li><li>Teach children not to play with matches and lighters</li><li>Store matches and lighters out of their reach</li><li>Put out all candles and lamps before going to sleep or leaving home.</li></ul>‘Our Disaster Risk Management response teams are geared to safeguard our communities, property, environment and livelihoods as we approach the winter months. It will not be easy and there will be many challenges, but if we work together and all do our part, we can be a strong united team in protecting our communities, our families and the vulnerable groups in society. It will be through teamwork and perseverance that we will be able to deal with COVID-19 during the winter months,’ added Alderman Smith.In the event of flooding or storm related emergencies, residents should phone the City’s Public Emergency Call Centre on 021 480 7700 from a cell phone or 107 from a landline. Ends

2020-05-27T22:00:00Z

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