It is the time of year when fires and wildfires start making headlines, so this is how you can prepare and offer support for the 2023 season.
Western Cape, South Africa (13 January 2023) – The Western Cape is on the lookout for fires as wildfire season is about to start. As seasonal wind and high temperatures start to pick up, fires are an inevitable part of the natural lifecycle, however, it still helps to be prepared.
Wildfires are a part of life when living in the Western Cape however, sometimes they can get away from firefighters as wind speeds and location can change quickly. This is what you should do if you live near a wildfire zone.
Residents in the vicinity of a fire are advised to take some precautionary steps, including:
- Remain Hydrated.
- Keep windows and doors closed until further notice as protection against smoke and heat.
- Keep pets indoors where possible.
- Move garden furniture that is flammable under cover where possible.
- If the situation gets worse, residents will be alerted timeously.
If a wildfire does take hold of nearby suburbs, this is how to help.
Here is a list of things you can do today and long after this tragedy has passed to help your fellow South Africans:
- Stay away from the scene. Get off the roads and give frontline workers the space to do their jobs!
- Donate food, energy bars, cool drinks, water and eye drops to your local fire station – this is one of the easiest ways to assist our frontline firefighters!
- Donate warm clothing and blankets to your local shelter for the homeless.
- Donate warm blankets, food, old dog or cat beds and kennels to animal rescue centres and shelters.
- Cook a warm pot of soup and hand it out to people less fortunate.
- Provide shelter and food to displaced families or students.
- Pay for a bed at a homeless shelter so someone can stay warm for the night.
- Donate old furniture and building materials so that those that have lost their homes can rebuild after the devastation.
- Help neighbours secure items from the fires.
- Take lost animals to local vets or shelters, or keep them safe in your own home.
- Donate directly to an impacted person on Backabuddy, Quicket Charity or For Good – these campaigns are usually created within hours of a tragedy and can be found by using the search function on the platforms.
- After a fire, place shallow bowls of water outdoors for wildlife that may be seeking water.
You can also support the following fire services in their efforts to keep everyone safe. They share regular updates on weather, potential fire risks and everything fire safety-related.
- Enviro Wildfire Western Cape – Facebook
- Greater Cedarberg Fire Protection Association – Facebook
- Greater Overberg FPA – Facebook
- NCC Environmental Services – Facebook
- NCC Wildfires – Facebook
- Volunteer Wildfire Services – Facebook
- Winelands Fire Protection Association – Facebook
by 