Emergency Services

Operational Services

This division provides a fully integrated fire fighting, rescue and emergency medical service to the community and the neighbouring areas.  The diversity of emergency calls that are received by the crisis control centre results in the need for intensive training of personnel in numerous disciplines to cope with the demands.

Highlights

The following highlights reflect the continued improvement in the provision of services over the mayoral year :

The upgrading of the crisis control centre as an integral part of the service to ensure better        communication, computer information systems and overall record keeping.  This was necessary to replace outdated technology with state of the art systems.

The participation of personnel representing the department and South Africa during the World Fire Fighter Games held in Durban from 17-23 May 1998.

Revamping of the old FMC fire engine with upgraded motor and gearbox to improve performance.

Initiating an emergency official of the year-program through which the best candidate for the year, together with candidates from Akasia and Pretoria, were sponsored on a month long study tour in September to the United States to broaden their knowledge and skills.

The participation of an emergency services team, representing the Council in the "Pretoria Business Challenge Relay".

A shed on fire

A veld fire out of control

This fire was caused by a kink in the adapter.

Disaster Management

Disaster Management and its predecessor civil protection is a co-ordinating function which aim to prevent and mitigate disasters or the effect thereof as far as possible.  This implies the establishment of an organised structure to act effectively during or after a disaster and to set the emergency plan into action.   This entails co-operation between the different disciplines and the community for ensuring normalising of services and living conditions.  Community involvement in the different suburbs are imperative to ensure that communities are kept aware of possible disasters and see the need for preparedness.

The volunteers/reservists are managed and co-ordinted by this division and numerous people from the community are willing to enlist on the volunteer/reservist force.  Volunteers are currently playing active rolls in areas such as Gerhardsville, Mnandi, Ladium and the central parts of Centurion.  They are all trained in fire-fighting skills, especially pertaining to veld fires and first aid.   This year, many volunteers passed their respected courses with distinction.   These volunteers deserve praise from the community for their unselfish sacrifices in improving the effectiveness of the emergency services and disaster management.

Fire Safety and Training

The past year was characterised by fires destroying thatched roof structures.  The following events inter alia in our minds :

Bondev House fire

Farm Inn fire (assistance to Pretoria)

Thatched roof house - Knoppieslaagte

The high risk in utilising flammable roof covering such as thatch was clearly demonstrated.  Developers often accept risks due to high costs in treatment of flammable roof coverings resulting in major damage.

The fire Safety and Training Division visited numerous premises and buildings, making recommendations and setting requirements :

The progressive development in Centurion required increased performance from the Fire Safety and Training division to ensure safety in the developments.   Numerous existing premises and buildings were investigated to ensure the compliance with requirements and to make recommendations.  Prominent investigations and activities during the past year was :

The Fire Safety and Training Division was involved in various public awareness campaigns where the community was informed of fire prevention and fire fighting and first aid treatment.

Informal settlements - Olievenhoutbosch and Laudium

Hindu Community Services Expo 1998 - Laudium

ATKV - Rooihuiskraal Festivity Grounds