Ekurhuleni emergency on high alert as cold front nears
The City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (EMS) is on high alert to deal with extreme cold temperatures forecast by the South African Weather Service over the weekend and going into next week.
The weather service (SAWS) issued a range of alerts for severe weather in most parts of the country, with a high-impact cut-off low system affecting all provinces and snow forecast for 8 provinces, except Limpopo.
Snow, heavy rain, damaging winds and a sharp drop in temperatures are some of the conditions to be expected.
READ: Severe winter storm to hit SA with snow, cold winds
Following deadly home fires in the region last month, Ekurhuleni EMS spokesperson William Ntladi has urged residents to be cautious when using heating devices.
“With such freezing cold weather conditions as focused, it is foreseen by DEMS that residents will be using heat appliances extensively in the battle against severe cold. Due to that, structural fires are imminent.
“While the city remains vigilant to deal with any emergency and educating people through the winter awareness campaign in different areas around the city, DEMS calls on residents to play their part on fire safety practices. Resilient communities are judged by fewer numbers of incidents even with extreme cold weather conditions,” he said.
Ekurhuleni emergency workers attended to two home fires, within hours of each other last month, which claimed seven lives, including six members of one family.
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Meanwhile, in KwaZulu-Natal, farmers have been warned to take steps to protect their livestock during the extreme weather conditions.
Angus Williamson, from the KZN Agricultural Union, has warned farmers to take all necessary precautions.
" When there's inclement weather coming make sure that there is extra roughage in the form of bales.
“So, if it does snow in the high-lying areas that the cattle and sheep have got access to roughage, and bales, as well as supplementing with the necessary supplements just to ensure that they make it through the couple of days when there's cold temperatures."
The cold weather is expected to persist into the middle of next week.
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