Joburg public safety MMC warns residents to prepare for severe cold and possible snowfall

MMC for public safety Moshe Koma has urged Johannesburg residents to take precautions as a severe cold front moves across the city and parts of Gauteng, with possible snowfall in elevated areas.

Forecast and immediate risks

The city warned that the forecast points to a significant drop in temperatures, along with cloudy conditions, rain and showers. The MMC said snowfall cannot be ruled out in elevated areas as the weather system develops.

Safety precautions for households

The MMC called on residents to take a number of precautions to reduce risk to health and property. He emphasised the need to protect vulnerable people and to use heating devices safely.

• Keep warm and ensure that children, elderly persons and vulnerable members of the community are adequately protected from the cold.
• Exercise extreme caution when using heaters, paraffin stoves, candles, braziers and other heating appliances. Open flames and heating appliances should never be left unattended.
• Avoid using unsafe or makeshift electrical connections to power heaters and other appliances.
• Ensure rooms are adequately ventilated when using combustion-based heating appliances to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Road safety and travel advice

Motorists were cautioned to reduce speed, increase following distances and exercise vigilance on wet, slippery or potentially icy roads. The MMC advised residents to avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather and warned pedestrians to be careful on wet, slippery or icy surfaces.

He added that motorists should ensure vehicles are roadworthy and that tyres, brakes, lights and windscreen wipers are in good working condition, and to remain vigilant during periods of rain, reduced visibility, icy conditions or possible snowfall.

Community precautions and concerns

Koma urged communities to secure loose objects around homes and businesses that could be affected by strong winds or adverse weather, and to check on vulnerable neighbours, particularly elderly persons and those living in informal or poorly insulated structures.

The city expressed particular concern about the risk of house fires and carbon monoxide poisoning as residents seek alternative ways to keep warm. In Koma’s words:

“We must not allow the cold weather to create another emergency through unsafe heating practices.”

He also said: “Our message is simple: prepare, remain vigilant and stay informed,” and that the Department of Public Safety will continue doing everything in its mandate to protect residents and to respond to emergencies.

Monitoring and response

The Department of Public Safety, Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD), Emergency Management Services (EMS), the South African Weather Service (Saws) and other relevant city departments are monitoring developments, the MMC said.