RADIO AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON DISASTER ISSUES

Capricorn District Municipality wrapped up a week long Disaster Management Community Radio Awareness Campaign which was held between 05-08 July 2022. The campaign was brought to listeners in partnership with SANTAM and aimed to create more awareness on fire season which is between the month of May and October annually.

The Fire and Rescue Services Divisional Officer and Disaster Management led the campaign and shared information with listeners from the following community radios, Turf fm, Tshepo fm, Mohodi fm, Moletsi fm, Zbfm, Mphahlele fm and Botlokwa fm. The campaign ended with a competition for listeners wherein they were given an opportunity to win First Aid Kits for their favorite Creche or Pre-schools.

The aim of the Fire Safety awareness programmes are to promote Fire Safety and reduce the number of fire incidents within the Capricorn District Municipal area. These Safety programmes are an important initiative and meant as opportunity for the municipalities to reach out to remote and rural areas and communities for the prevention of fires and simple tips in reducing the chances of fires occurring in our local communities.

The importance of Fire Prevention and the need for constant awareness among our community and public is stated in the National Fire Brigade Services Act 99 of 1987 and the National Veld and Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998, states the need of landowner involvement and the protection of property against wildland fires and the winter fire season of South Africa.

The campaign was an opportunity for Emergency Services and Council to engage households, community groups, and business forums and private sector on best and safe practices concerning fires and to reduce risk and losses due to fires. Last year vulnerable schools and institutions were identified and equipped with fire extinguishers and fire blankets.

This year Capricorn District Municipality’s Fire and Rescue Services distributed grass beaters and firefighting knapsacks to all the traditional authorities within the district. The aim was to provide communities the opportunity to fight grass and wildland fires till the fire services arrives to assist or even extinguish it themselves as governed for landowners as per The National Veld and Forest Fire Act 101 of 1998.