Cape Town Welcomes Visitors, Offers Safety Tips

The Disaster Risk Management Centre is ready for any eventuality.

Metropolitan Police Officers made special provisions and have compiled traffic management plans for popular areas to ensure a smooth flow of holiday traffic. Fire Services are at a heightened state of readiness during this 'red alert' fire season.

Law enforcement units have strategies to ensure the safety of visitors to beaches and other popular attractions, and Disaster Management Risk Management Centre is ready with contingency plans to co-ordinate large-scale situations should anything go wrong.

"The fact that the City is ready to deal with emergencies does not mean that individuals can ignore common safety rules. We have compiled a list of simple safety tips which holiday makers can use to ensure a memorable holiday in Cape Town," says Wilfred Solomons, Acting Head: Disaster Risk Management Centre of the City of Cape Town.

• Every person on a boat must wear a life jacket.
• Any boat must have the required safety equipment, including emergency flares.
• Be aware of weather conditions and how fast they can change.
• Don't abuse alcohol while at sea.

• Never walk or climb on your own.
• Always inform a friend or family member where you are going and when you should be back.
• Stay on marked routes.
• Always take along warm clothing, food and liquids.
• Do not dive into pools if you do not know how deep they are.

• Swim only where there are lifeguards and where signs indicate it is safe.
• Make sure that lifeguards can see you when you are in the water.
• Only swim in areas where other people are present.

• Be at all times courteous on the roads.
• Do not drink and drive.
• Appoint a designated driver who will not use alcohol.
• Use your seatbelt.
• Allow pedestrians right of way.
• Secure toddlers in baby or child seats.

• Only go to places where you feel comfortable and safe.
• Seek safety in numbers - but know those with you.
• Someone should always know where you are.

Never leave children alone at a pool.
• Swimming classes and inflatable armbands can never replace adult supervision.
• A child can drown in the time it takes to answer a telephone or open the front door.
• Social gatherings can detract attention from children who are close to a pool.
• Designate a responsible adult to watch over them.

• No fires are allowed anywhere along the peninsula mountain chain except in specifically demarcated areas.
• Do not discard your burning cigarette from your vehicle as this is one of the major causes of fires. Use your vehicle ashtray for this purpose.
• Ensure that your braai fire is extinguished completely before leaving. Use water to extinguish any smouldering remains.

Issued by:
Communication and Marketing
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

Media Queries:
Wilfred Solomons
Disaster Risk Management Centre
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 597 5000
Cell: 084 711 7709
Email: Wilfred.Solomons@capetown.gov.za
Email: DisasterRiskManagement.Centre@capetown.gov.za