Schools closed due to crazy weather: Staying safe during the storm...
Where does that leave working parents?
As parents wake up to receive communication from schools that they have been instructed to close today due to the storm alert, we won't lie, we are feeling a bit uneasy.
Besides the many emergency reports of homes, businesses, and roads flooding, there have been bridges and roads washed away, as well as people in distress and some fatalities.
Read more: WARNING: Chatsworth, Toti, Merebank, Pinetown, Cowies Hill, Pinetown and more flooding across KZN
It seems like our sense of community and family is being tested again. As communities stand together to help each other as the emergency services are pressed, we wanted to give you some tips on how to stay calm and safe.
More importantly, how to make sure the kids are reassured during this scary time.
First and foremost, don't panic. If you can avoid going out, please don't leave home, work from home if you need to, it's safer and the responsible thing to do.
Make sure that there are no exposed electrical chords or appliances, avoid any water touching any electrics. If your home is flooding, turn off the mains. Most importantly, ensure that the kids know not to touch anything electrical.
Set the kids up with things to keep them occupied. This will get their minds off the weather and also help you.
Plan an exit strategy if you need to and inform your kids so that they know what they have to do. Give them each something to do so that they feel responsible.
Check out more from East Coast Radio
Sandbags can help with stopping the storm water from entering your home. If you're able to, line up sandbags around the doors.
As much as this may sound extreme, situations such as these remind us to be prepared for anything. So it would be advisable to pack away your valuables and back up your important documentation on a hard drive.
Remember to stay vigilant and in constant communication with your neighbourhood groups.
If you are in need of emergency assistance, contact the below emergency services. But remember everyone is stretched at the moment.
- KZN Emergency Medical Services - 10177
- Ethekwini Fire & Emergency Services- 031 361 0000
- St Johns Ambulance - 031 305 6588
- Netcare- 082 911
- Fire & Disaster Management- 031 361 0000
- Stormwater, Burst Mains, Water Pollution and Sewer Faults- 080 131 3013
- Mountain rescue - 080 000 5133
- Sea rescue- 031 361 8567
Image Credit: Supplied via WhatsApp