Joburg braces for severe cold wave as emergency services issue safety warnings
As a bitter cold wave sweeps across the country, the City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services is raising the alarm, calling for heightened vigilance and caution during this freezing spell.
This follows a warning from the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued an alert for freezing temperatures set to grip Johannesburg and parts of Gauteng from May 20, urging residents to brace for a sharp drop in temperatures.
The SAWS noted that a cold front moved over the south-western parts of the country on Monday, bringing cold, wet, and windy conditions to the western areas of the Western Cape. Although this front was not very strong, it signals a stronger and more severe weather system expected to arrive on Tuesday.
The weather service also indicated that freezing levels will drop sharply, making snowfall possible over high-lying areas and causing a widespread drop in temperatures. The icy conditions are expected to move into central and eastern parts of the country from Tuesday night and continue through to Friday morning, May 23.
City EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi has encouraged residents to use all heating devices safely and not to leave them unattended to prevent fires.
'We therefore would like to encourage our residents to use all heating devices safely, for example, Heaters/Braizers/Paraffin Stoves/Candles, not to leave them unattended while in use to prevent fire incidents at home during these extremely cold temperatures,' said Mulaudzi.
He stated that emergency teams will maintain a heightened state of readiness, keeping a watchful eye on all seven regions of Joburg in collaboration with strategic monitoring units across the city.
'All 29 fire stations are on high alert to ensure that we effectively respond to all emergencies which might occur during this Cold Front,' said Mulaudzi.
In the event of any life-threatening emergencies, residents are advised to contact the Emergency Services Call Centre immediately on 011 375 5911.
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