Joburg freezes: Emergency Services on high alert

Johannesburg

Johannesburg — The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) has warned residents to brace themselves after cold weather warnings were scheduled for parts of the province.

The South African Weather Services (SAWS) said residents should be prepared for cold mornings with the temperature to drop as low as -1 degrees in Pretoria, -2 degrees in Johannesburg, and -4 degrees in Vereeniging, with maximum temperatures only expected to be as high as 14 degrees, The Citizen reported.

EMS spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi issued a message on X and said they had noted the weather warning and remain on high alert should any disasters occur. He urged residents to remain safe while trying to stay warm.

“We are still encouraging our residents throughout the city of Johannesburg to continue to look after all heating devices, like heaters, paraffin stoves, candles, not to leave them unattended while in use, and also our residents who are using braziers or imbaula, to use it in a well-ventilated area, and also be reminded to take it out before going to bed,” Mulaudzi said.

“From our side, the Johannesburg Emergency Services, we remain on high alert monitoring all 7 regions of the City of Johannesburg for any emergencies which might occur during this extremely cold temperatures.”

According to SABC News, The City of Johannesburg said all its 29 fire stations remain on standby to deal with emergencies across all regions.

Firefighters were called to deal with a flat fire in Eldorado Park  Extension 2, south of Johannesburg, but luckily no one was injured, the report said.

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Picture: X/@CityofJoburgEMS

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Compiled by Matthew Petersen

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