Calling Here
International dialing code: +27
Languages spoken: Zulu (22.7%), Xhosa (16%), Afrikaans (13.5%), English (9.6%), Northern Sotho (9.1%).
- In Afrikaans, common greetings include “Goeie môre” (Good morning), “Goeie middag” (Good afternoon), and “Goeie naand” (Good evening).
- In English, common greetings include “Hello”, “Good morning”, “Good afternoon”, and “Good evening”.
Hazard Preparedness
Create a Flood Emergency Plan
Prepare your household for potential flooding by creating a specific emergency plan. Identify your flood risk, establish evacuation routes to higher ground, create a communication plan, and assemble necessary supplies.
- Determine your specific flood risk (check flood maps, know local flood history).
- Identify safe evacuation routes to higher ground.
- Establish a family communication plan (including out-of-area contact).
Create Defensible Space
Reduce the likelihood of your home igniting from a wildfire by creating defensible space. Clear flammable vegetation, trees, and debris within at least 30 feet (more on slopes) around structures, creating a buffer zone. Maintain this space regularly.
- Zone 1 (0-5 ft from house): Remove *all* flammable vegetation, use non-combustible mulch (gravel), clear debris from under decks, remove flammable items.
- Zone 2 (5-30 ft): Keep grass mowed short, prune lower tree branches (6-10 ft from ground), create space between shrubs and trees, remove dead vegetation.
- Zone 3 (30-100+ ft, depending on slope/vegetation): Thin trees, reduce density of vegetation, remove dead material.
Create an Emergency Kit
Ensure self-sufficiency during severe weather by assembling an emergency kit with essentials: water, non-perishable food, first aid, medications, flashlight, radio, batteries, sanitation items, and important documents.
- Include basics: Water (1 gal/person/day for 3-7 days), Non-perishable food (3-7 days), Battery/hand-crank Radio (NOAA preferred), Flashlight, Extra batteries.
- Add: First aid kit, Medications (7-day supply), Whistle, Dust masks.
- Pack: Plastic sheeting/duct tape (for sheltering), Moist towelettes, garbage bags, basic tools.
Emergency Coverage
Namba ya mchakato kwa nchi mbalimbali
Namba ya polisi, ya mchakato, na ya ambulansa kwa wanaa wa nchi mbalimbali.