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Safe use of candles and paraffin was taught to people in the informal settlement. They also heard about what to do during floods.
RESIDENTS of Slovo Park – an informal settlement in Region D, near to Eldorado Park and 10 kilometres south of Soweto – have received specialist training from the City’s emergency management services (EMS) that will help them deal with threats to their safety, particularly fire and flooding.
 Residents are taught safe use of candles and paraffin “EMS offers a diverse range of programmes to create awareness in all communities of Johannesburg to ensure safety of all residents,” says the EMS spokesperson, Nana Radebe. “EMS presence in Slovo Park is critical to promote a safer city strategy and to establish community emergency response teams equipped to deal with emergencies while awaiting response from emergency management services.”
Threats of various natures are pervasive in informal settlements such as Slovo Park. “It should be noted that the area was not designed for human habitation and that the land was illegally invaded,” Radebe says. “However, the City has a responsibility to provide services to the community and to improve the quality of lives of all communities.”
Fires present a particular risk as the cold sets in and, as a result, EMS taught residents basic fire fighting skills as a way of combating these vulnerability factors. “The community is susceptible to all forms of fire due to combustible materials used for building, such as wood and plastic, and the use of fire for cooking and lighting,” she says.
“Increasing illegal electrical connections are another common cause of fires in Slovo.”
Basic fire fighting training was supplemented by other programmes offered in first aid and candle and paraffin safety. Safety tips on how to prevent fires were also passed on.
Tips for candles are:
- Never leave a candle burning out of sight or when you are asleep;
- Extinguish all candles before leaving a room or going to sleep;
- Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire;
- Do not burn candles near drapes, curtains, bedding, carpets, paper or other decorations;
- Do not place lit candles where children or animals can trip over them; and
- Always use the right candle holder for the candle.
When dealing with paraffin, especially paraffin stoves, EMS advises:
- Never leave a switched-on paraffin stove unattended;
- Always make sure that the paraffin stove is placed on a flat, solid surface so that it cannot be knocked over or bumped;
- Do not put a cloth under a paraffin stove as it can catch fire;
- Always have a bucket of sand nearby when using a paraffin stove;
- Do not use water to put out a paraffin fire;
- Never leave children alone near a paraffin stove; and
- Always use a childproof paraffin safety cap on the paraffin bottle.
Also of concern to residents is the threat of flooding. “Flooding impacts greatly on Slovo Park due to its position adjacent to the Klipspruit Valley stream, [which increases] chances of possible flooding,” she says. “When the river level rises the community becomes vulnerable.”
Tips for safety in the event of flooding include:
- Stick to higher ground when outdoors;
- Motorists should drive carefully and reduce speed immediately;
- Use a pole or stick to test the ground before walking across any flooded areas where you cannot see the ground; and
- Steer clear of trees during stormy weather, rather taking shelter in buildings.
As these threats are ever-present, EMS plans to provide training and offer programmes to residents continuously. “The programmes will be offered for as long as the settlement exists,” Radebe says.
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