| Emergency call takers ready for festive season | Emergency call takers ready for festive season | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/Emergency-Services-Header.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <p>The City’s Public Emergency Communication Centre fielded more than 15 000 calls during November, with the number set to increase as the festive season reaches its peak. Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security, Alderman JP Smith, visited the centre to spread festive cheer to the call takers who will be on duty.</p> | <p>‘The staff at the PECC are our first line of defence in our festive season safety plans and the first link to get help. They have to gather critical information from panicked callers, provide life-saving instructions and dispatch the right responders to the correct location. They are often the only contact for someone in distress, anxious or panicking. They are on duty while most of us are spending time with loved ones, and my visit was just to thank them for their service and dedication,’ said Alderman Smith.</p><p>The service is available 24 hours a day and is available in three languages.</p><p>‘The festive season is a busy time for all emergency and enforcement staff. There is an increase in traffic, alcohol use and general frivolity which unfortunately often translates into recklessness and violence. Let’s make this a safer festive season by acting responsibly. Emergencies are unavoidable, but our call takers are ready to ensure you get the help and assistance you need,’ added Alderman Smith.
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<p>Residents can help when calling in an emergency:</p>
<ul><li>Have as much information as you can</li><li>Have the correct location when reporting your emergency and relay any nearby landmarks</li><li>How did the incident happen? The more information that you provide the easier it becomes to assist you</li><li>The time of the incident or whether it’s still in process</li><li>If you are calling on behalf of someone, make sure you have as much details about the patient</li><li>Your call can be correctly prioritised with all the information you provide, so the more information, the better</li><li>Try to remain calm and cooperate with the agent as much as you can; this is how you can Help Us Help You.</li></ul>
<p>For all life or property threatening emergencies, call 021 480 7700.</p>
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<br> </p> | 2025-12-18T22:00:00Z | GP0|#1d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70;L0|#01d539e44-7c8c-4646-887d-386dc1d95d70|City news;GTSet|#62efe227-07aa-45e7-944c-ceebacca891d | | | | | GP0|#3bd13869-3207-4532-9db7-a4ca95867a50;L0|#03bd13869-3207-4532-9db7-a4ca95867a50|JP Smith;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GPP|#3f57ea8a-3adb-4a8f-bb3a-0a20a62c7fe9;GP0|#451a6e42-0a8c-4409-88a8-da1f16d8f0bb;L0|#0451a6e42-0a8c-4409-88a8-da1f16d8f0bb|emergency centre;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb;GP0|#ff4292df-e4cb-4133-95d5-e9035896836c;L0|#0ff4292df-e4cb-4133-95d5-e9035896836c|emergency services;GTSet|#2e3de6c1-9951-4747-8f53-470629a399bb | 1 | | | | | | | | | | | 0 |
