Gauteng: Level 10 weather WARNING for veld fires TODAY

The SA Weather Services (SAWS) issued a high-level 10 weather WARNING for veld fires in several parts of South Africa for TODAY including Gauteng.

GAUTENG: LEVEL 10 WEATHER WARNING FOR VELD FIRES TODAY

The warning is in place for Thursday.

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The following parts of South Africa are expected to be affected by the warning:

THESE PARTS OF SOUTH AFRICA MIGHT BE AFFECTED:

• City of Johannesburg / Johannesburg
• City of Tshwane / Pretoria
• Moretele / Makapanstad
• Dr JS Moroka / Nokaneng
• Local Municipality of Madibeng / Hartebeespoort
• Rustenburg
• Merafong City / Merafong/Carletonville
• Emfuleni / Vereeniging
• Midvaal / Meyerton
• Ekurhuleni / Kempton park
• Thembisile Hani / Tweefontein
• Dr JS Moroka / Nokaneng
• Ephraim Mogale / Marble Hall
• Thabazimbi
• Ramotshere Moiloa / Zeerust
• Ditsobotla / Lichtenburg
• Mahikeng / Mafikeng
• Ratlou
• City of Matlosana / Klerksdorp
• Maquassi Hills / Wolmaranstad
• Tswaing / Ottosdal
• Mamusa / Schweizer-Reneke
• Greater Taung / Taung
• Phokwane / Jan Kempdorp
• Dikgatlong / Barkly West
• Kagisano/Molopo / Tosca
• Siyancuma / Griquastad
• Tsantsabane / Postmasburg
• Umsobomvu / Noupoort
• Dihlabeng / Bohlokong
• Setsoto / Ficksburg
• Masilonyana / Brandfort
• Mangau
• Setsoto / Ficksburg

The SAWS warned that as part of the impact of the veld warning, the Fire Danger Index (FDI) is expected to be above 75.

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THE FDI IS EXPECTED TO BE ABOVE 75

It furthermore said fires may develop and spread rapidly resulting in damage to property, loss of grazing land and possible loss of human and/or animal life.

“The public is advised not to start fires under these conditions. All personnel and equipment should be removed from the field.

“Fire teams, labour and equipment are to be placed on full stand-by. At first sign of smoke, every possible measure should be taken in order to bring the fire under control in the shortest possible time.”SAWS

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WHAT TO DO WHEN VELD FIRES APPROACH YOUR PROPERTY

What you should do when veld fire approaches your property:

• Decide whether it is safer to stay or leave the scene.
• Wear protective clothing and footwear.
• Have emergency food and medical supplies ready.
• Move livestock to safer areas.
• Listen to the radio for news updates.
• Wet the garden and house, especially on the side of the approaching fire.
• Plug gutters and fill them with water.
• Fill baths, buckets and dust bins with water in case the water supply fails, and have mops handy.
• Seal any gaps between the doors and floor using wet towels or similar items.
• Close all windows and doors.
• If you decide to stay, go indoors and remain there until the fire has passed.
• Take fire hoses and other firefighting equipment indoors with you.
• Check inside the house, including the roof cavity, and extinguish any small fires immediately.
• Remain vigilant after the fire has passed.
• If you decide to evacuate your home, remember that every second counts:
• Escape first, then call for help. Develop a home fire escape plan and make sure everyone in the family gathers at an agreed meeting place outside.
• Make sure everyone in the family knows two ways to escape from every room.
• Practise feeling your way out with your eyes closed.
• Never stand up in a fire, always crawl low under the smoke and try to keep your mouth covered.
• Practice your family emergency plan / home escape plan frequently with your family.
• Never return to a burning building for any reason, you could die.
• Finally, having a working smoke alarm dramatically increases your chances of surviving a home fire.

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