Cape Town fire season occurs from November through May. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe.
Cape Town is notoriously prone to wildfires that occur in natural vegetation when it is hot and dry in the summer months, which coincide with the windy season – creating ideal conditions for wildfires to occur and quickly get out of control. This season has already been earmarked to be the worst fire season in 8 years.
Cape Town fires are particularly common in the Table Mountain National Park due to the natural conditions in our fynbos ecosystem. But, homes and businesses are not exempt from danger, as any fire can spread quickly and far – up to tens of kilometres from the source. It is most important to keep your home, family and business safe, protecting life and property, as our urban living spaces share a boundary with the national parks in many parts of Cape Town and the Western Cape.
By 18 January 2024, there have been a total of 22 new fire incidents, with SANParks firefighting teams demonstrating swift response and effective containment. This influx has occurred particularly in the southern section of Table Mountain National Park, in Kalk Bay, Oceanview and Red Hill areas, as well as in the north of the park, in the Signal Hill and Pipe Track areas, posing significant risk to the communities living adjacent to the park, particularly with hot temperatures and strong wind conditions being experienced.
Fire Safety Precautions & Interventions
In Cape Town, there are various organisations in place to manage fire safety and interventions that should be taken, both to avoid fire and to control it when it happens.
https://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/cape-town-fires_creative-commons.jpeg7531400Adminhttp://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wynberg-ID-logo-2300px-300x274.pngAdmin2024-01-16 16:26:002024-01-23 12:30:33Safety & fire during the hot, dry and windy Cape Town Summer months
As the chilly and wet winter season approaches, it’s time to prepare ourselves for the unique challenges and delights that it brings.
From the brisk air to the rain-soaked streets, Cape Town winter demands our attention and readiness. Here, we explore practical tips to help you navigate the winter months with ease. From maintaining your home and business’ functionality to prioritising safety on the roads, these essential suggestions will ensure you’re well-prepared to go with the flow this winter. Let’s dive in and discover how to make the most of the wet season while keeping everything running smoothly.
https://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cape-town-storm-rain-Mark-Seath.jpeg640960Adminhttp://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wynberg-ID-logo-2300px-300x274.pngAdmin2023-05-25 17:56:302023-05-25 17:56:31Are You Ready to Go with the Cape Town Winter Flow? Essential Tips for a Smooth Season + Loadshedding Updates from the City
As we approach the Easter weekend many families are looking forward to much needed time spent bonding over easter egg hunts and delicious lunches. However, as we all travel to our destinations, the days leading up to Easter weekend see many more motorists driving further in the first rains of our wet season.
As we set off in these conditions, we urge all motorists to take extreme caution and increase their awareness of the common causes of accidents and other road-users safety.
Here are our top tips for travelling safely this Easter weekend.
Check your vehicle.
Many accidents happen due to vehicles not reacting to a driver’s delayed response If you are travelling in heavy rain, use the brightest setting for your head and tail lights to improve visibility. Ensure that your wiper blades are in good condition as spray from other vehicles reduces visibility considerably so take extra care when overtaking or being overtaken. Braking is significantly impacted by the tread on your tyres so make sure you have sufficient tread. If you experience car trouble, turn on your hazard lights as bright as you can, set up additional warning signs if you have them in your car and pull off the road. Remain seated inside the car especially at night, as glare from your hazards may make it difficult for oncoming traffic to see you.
For more information on how to check your vehicle watch the Arrive Alice video below
Leave early and take breaks.
Due to the increasing amount of vehicles on the road drivers should leave earlier and be prepared for delays on the roads during poor weather conditions. This will help you avoid any abrupt acceleration, excessive speed and sudden steering movements which are the main culprits of accidents. Additionally, adjust your speed and following distance – five to seven seconds to break – to ensure that you can stop safely.
Drivers’ fatigue – caused by long-distance driving after a long day at work or a late night – is also a major contributor to fatal accidents. Emotional stress, lack of sleep, boredom and sun glare all cause fatigue so make sure to get a good seven hours of sleep before you travel. Additionally, for most of us, our sleep-wake cycle is set to be resting between 2 am and 6 am so try not to travel in these low light early hours of the morning.
If you are tired, stop and have a rest. Signs that you are too tired to drive include your eyes shutting, daydreaming, swerving, crankiness, restlessness and frequent yawning or eye rubbing.
Remain aware of other road users.
Last year, approximately 35% of the people who died on the roads over the Easter long weekend were pedestrians – making them the group most affected by accidents. Please remain aware of the sides of the road, particularly when travelling between towns as many people hitchhike to see their families. In areas of particular interest, there will also be signs alerting you to remain vigilant. Once you have spotted a pedestrian, slow down and give them lots of space until you have passed them fully as those who have consumed alcohol are likely to make dangerous decisions. If you can, plan to avoid driving in low light conditions as these combined with bad weather make other road users far more difficult to see.
According to the new amendments in the National Road Traffic Act, anyone caught with blood that has an alcohol content of more than 0.05% will be arrested, charged with Driving Under the Influence of Liquor and held in custody until they can post bail if bail is not denied. Depending on your record, and the circumstances surrounding your arrest, you face the loss of your driver’s licence, a criminal record, a minimum fine of R2 000, a two-year prison sentence, or all of the above.
To put 0.05% into perspective any more than 350ml of beer, or a single tot of Brandy puts you over the limit with these levels of alcohol remaining in your system for up to eight hours after consumption.
Be aware of the signs of other drivers who may be drunk around you, such as weaving between lanes, accelerating and braking erratically or displaying delayed responses. If you think another driver is intoxicated, put more distance between yourselves and them as quickly and safely as you can. Please also report it by contacting the City’s Law Enforcement, Traffic and Coordination Department by calling 021 480 7700 or the National Traffic Call Centre on 086 140 0800.
By making sure we have road safe vehicles, taking our time getting where we are going, respecting the pedestrians on our roads and never getting on the roads intoxicated we ensure that all of us can enjoy safer roads this Easter.
https://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/line-drive-asphalt-countryside-cloud-1.jpg10001500Adminhttp://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wynberg-ID-logo-2300px-300x274.pngAdmin2022-04-13 08:05:472022-04-13 09:19:55Staying Egg-xtra safe on the roads this Easter
While many of us see the festive season as a time to kick back and relax, for the retail sector it is the busiest time of the year. With high volumes of high-value stock, seasonal staff and more capital flowing through our premises than any other time of the year staying safe is a definite priority.
Maintaining visibility throughout your store, being alert to suspicious activity and taking precautions during the opening and closing of your facility are excellent places to start. However, there is more you can do to keep yourself, your business and your employees safe this festive season.
10 Things To Keep Your Store Safe:
Suspicious vehicles – Be vigilant of what is around your business, especially at opening and closing times.
Suspicious persons – People who intend to shoplift often wear inappropriate clothing for the weather – such as heavy coats during hot days.
Be prepared for a crisis – Having a list of emergency numbers clearly visible means your employees know who to call in an emergent situation.
Be prepared for crime – Placing static panic buttons in strategic areas of your store, like in the cash office, storeroom, or under the till register can help employees call for help in armed robbery scenarios.
Shine a light – Keep the premises well-lit, both inside and out, especially at night so that patrols and security can clearly see potential intruders.
Travel together – Two or more staff members should leave the premises together at the end of shifts.
Stay visible – Use a clearly public entrance to the business and avoid any secluded entry points not covered by surveillance cameras.
Clean your cameras – Make sure all individuals can be clearly identified by the cameras as the video footage assists the SAPS with investigations.
Test your cameras – Inspect your CCTV cameras regularly, ensuring they are fully functioning without any blind spots.
Deposit cash ASAP – Do not keep a large amount of cash inside the store and change your pattern of banking to avoid being tracked and targeted.
Sustainable security is a balance between a safety-conscious employee culture, a properly equipped property and employers who prioritise creating a safe working experience. Letting your customers and staff know that you care about their safety this busy season will make your customers feel safe and your staff feel valued – both of which boost your confidence and your bottom line.
If you have any safety concerns to share, please contact one of the following numbers:
https://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/glowing-signboard-sale-store-1.jpg10011500Adminhttp://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wynberg-ID-logo-2300px-300x274.pngAdmin2021-12-06 04:51:262021-12-06 04:56:24Top 10 Tips To Keep Your Store Safe This Festive Season
After a challenging 2021, filled with great uncertainty and change globally, many of us are looking forward to wrapping things up for a well deserved holiday with family and friends. Ensuring that your property is secure and your business protected is the best Christmas gift you can give yourself and will give you the peace of mind that will allow you to relax and recuperate.
Here are our top tips to keep your property safe so you can enjoy the merry season:
Protecting Your Property:
Ensure you have an alarm – Have an alarm installed by a reputable security company that you trust. Effective alarm systems include armed response services, detection beams, window sensors and electric fences.
Make sure that your alarm system is working – This includes checking that the backup battery works by doing a final test with your security company.
Do a thorough physical perimeter check – Ensure there are no access points, such as gaps in the fence, that intruders could enter through.
Check your access points – Make sure that all doors, gates, windows, locks, security bars and roller shutters are in proper working condition and properly locked when you leave the premises.
Remove potential tools – All wooden pallets, tires and other items that could be used to breach the perimeter of your property must be stored away and all trees and bushes must be trimmed to ensure possible intruders can’t hide in them.
Collect all keys – All copies of keys, access cards and remote controls for gates and garage doors that are not in use during your absence must be handed in and secured.
Check your emergency contact – The emergency contact number should be for someone with access to ALL entry points of the property. Their contact details should be displayed on the outside of the property for emergency services to contact them in case of fire, theft or crisis.
Be prepared for an emergency – Keep a list of emergency service providers such as a plumber, electrician and general contractor handy. You should also phone them and get the details of the appropriate staff that will be on call during the festive holidays.
Do your banking beforehand – Do not leave any valuable items or cash on the premises if they cannot be properly secured.
Install adequate exterior lighting – This serves both as a deterrent and to help authorities catch suspicious persons lurking near your property. Connecting outdoor lights to timers and motion sensors can also help you save on your power bill.
Check the lights – All exterior lights should be in working order as they are a deterrent to criminals and essential for the detection of a potential intruder by security.
Do your CCTV camera maintenance – If you have CCTV cameras on your premises, ensure they are placed strategically with no blind spots and have been inspected and that their backup batteries are in proper working condition.
Prevention is better than cure, and we urge all property owners to make every effort to properly prepare for the coming weeks. After a challenging year for all, we sincerely hope that you can rest easy in the knowledge that we will be working through the festive season to keep your homes and businesses safe.
To share your story with us and stand a chance to be featured in one of our future newsletters email us at media@geocentric.co.za.
If you have any safety concerns to share, please contact one of the following numbers:
· 10111 – SAPS (South African Police Services)
· 107 – City of Cape Town Disaster Management
· 021 565 0900 – Geocentric Control Room
To contact the City of Cape Town
Please use the City’s Customer Services call centre to request a service or query your account. You will receive a reference number that you can use to track the request. The best option is to use the City’s website www.capetown.gov.za and select ‘Service Requests’ on the home page, then follow instructions and capture each location as a separate request. The service selections and location determine to which department the request is routed by the system.
You can also send an email to the call centre contactus@capetown.gov.za for each request stating the request, location, complainant’s name, complainant’s contact details and any additional comments.
You can also SMS 31373 (Maximum 160 characters) OR Call 086 010 3089
https://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wooden-keychain-white-scaled.jpg25602560Adminhttp://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wynberg-ID-logo-2300px-300x274.pngAdmin2021-11-23 04:57:152021-11-23 04:57:49How to Prepare Your Property For the Festive Season
Crime is a sombre reality in South Africa that costs us dearly. Emotionally, living in fear drains us and financially, unplanned expenses due to theft can leave us grasping at straws. To do our part in creating a safer space for us all to share we are expanding and upgrading the CCTV camera network in the Wynberg Improvement District (WID).
The expansion supports our other public safety and urban management activities by sustainably decreasing criminal activity.
In conjunction with the City of Cape Town, The SAPS, Neighbourhood Watch groups, local businesses and private individuals, we are a pivotal member of a Public Safety network with cameras that have eyesight over the critical locations of our CID.
Allowing us to see the entire Wynberg Improvement District and intervene in all types of crimes to make our community safer.
Organized criminal activity targeting theft and vandalism of electrical components cost Eskom an estimated R69 000 000 in the last 18 months alone according to CEO Andre de Ruyter. The damages to local businesses caused by interrupted power are incalculable, especially in mixed-use and industrial areas like the WID.
The Wynberg Improvement District’s road and communications infrastructure is also being crippled by vandalism and robbery, resulting in key road intersections, cell phone towers, and fibre networks being rendered inoperable.
By expanding our CCTV surveillance we hope to be a significant contributor to creating a collaborative city-wide surveillance system that will prevent, identify, and neutralise criminal activity in real-time. We also know that our systems will help lawyers bring more criminals to justice and alleviate some of the load on our judicial system as they make the conviction process clearer and quicker.
Our network is so effective due to our multifaceted approach to both the camera hardware and the data management of the surveillance systems. Our cameras are monitored on a 24/7 basis by a centralised control centre meaning we can track and stop criminal activity across districts in real-time.
Our Cameras
We use three types of cameras, some with infrared capabilities to see even in the dark.
– Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) cameras – These can be rotated by our trained operators to track people acting suspiciously even after they think they have walked out of frame.
– Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras – These are static cameras reading licence plates of vehicles. The CID belongs to a recognised, well-organised user group that holds a database of suspicious vehicles. Our LPR software generates alerts when such vehicles enter our Improvement District and place us on high alert. Should the occupants act suspiciously we have the option of alerting the local SAPS sector patrol vehicles.
– Static cameras enabled with artificial intelligence functionality – These are static cameras and can be focused on hotspots or boundary areas such as fences. The cameras detect the movement of vehicles and people and alert our control room and patrol vehicles of such activity.
Our Data Management
Our Artificial Intelligence Cameras and Software detects even the slightest movements which help our personnel see potentially hidden persons and suspicious activities.
Video Analytics can be used to interpret, study and project criminal behavioural patterns which help us aid the SAPS to bring down the syndicates that are disrupting our peace.
Our expansion of the CCTV network is one example of how we are trying to make our community a more profitable business and residential node by creating holistic urban regeneration programmes.
Landlords, business owners and residents of the WID can expect:
A continued effort to decrease crime.
Targeted intervention by our public safety teams.
Improved response time.
24/7 monitoring by our control room.
Foot and vehicle patrol teams, law enforcement officers and the police equipped with essential live information to improve arrest rates.
Prevention of more incidents due to the improved directing of resources.
Reduced false reporting of incidences due to our ability to validate the claim instantly.
Progress on creating a Unified City-Wide Public Safety Network.
We are improving our public safety plan by:
Surveying the entire WID to identify vulnerable points to inform the next extension of our CCTV network.
Targeting public safety efforts on infrastructure crime to safeguard the continuous supply of energy, water, sanitation, communication infrastructure and access to transportation.
Implementing mechanisms to alert our management and public safety teams to early warning signs of threats so that the distribution of our safety resources can be optimised.
The manufacturing, education, property, hospitality and public transport industries form the backbone of our community’s livelihoods. Ultimately, our goal is to protect the people and the resources of the institutions they serve within the Wynberg Improvement District.
Our sophisticated CCTV cameras use the latest technological advancements so we can streamline our prevention and intervention efforts and help bring criminals to justice.
With your help and investment, we step closer to a safer South Africa every day. And so many of you already do remarkable work in the Wynberg Improvement District. We would love to hear your #GoodNews and how you are making our area a better place.
To share your story with us and stand a chance to be featured in one of our future newsletters email us at media@geocentric.co.za
If you have any safety concerns to report, please contact one of the following numbers:
http://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wynberg-ID-logo-2300px-300x274.png00Adminhttp://wynbergid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Wynberg-ID-logo-2300px-300x274.pngAdmin2021-09-22 09:00:002021-10-02 12:49:16Seeing To Your Safety – Update On Our CCTV Camera Network
