In 2002 the United Nations General Assembly declared 13 October International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction to raise awareness of the impact of natural as well as man-made disasters and to encourage risk awareness and disaster reduction globally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the run-up to the warm summer months and fire season in the Western Cape it was deemed appropriate that the annual Fire Awareness Campaign be launched in Caledon on Friday 14 October. Theewaterskloof Municipality, in partnership with Working on Fire, hosted the event, which was also attended by Cape Nature, the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Agency and Overberg District Municipality Fire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event started with an emergency services convoy from the municipal buildings to Victoria Hall, where the function was held. A team of internationally acclaimed Working on Fire (WoF) firefighters gave a drill display outside the hall before forming a guard of honour for the various dignitaries and speakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In his speech Deputy Mayor John Michels stressed how important this day was \u201cto raise awareness of people who are taking action to reduce the risk of disasters as well as protecting the livelihoods and assets of communities and individuals from the impact of hazards.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
WoF\u2019s Community Fire Awareness Officer, Rayganah Rhoda, said: \u201cA proactive community assesses its risks and prepares its property by reducing, removing or mitigating fire risks. Early preparedness ensures reduction in unwanted fires and preventing losses.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More than 90% of unwanted fires are caused by human negligence. \u201cNumerous unwanted fires have occurred in the province, and by creating awareness in these areas we are hoping to educate the community to take ownership and pride in the surroundings,\u201d said Rhoda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Reinhardt Geldenhuys of the Greater Overberg Fire Protection Agency gave a very informative talk, clearing up many misconceptions that people have especially with regard to the use of helicopters during a fire. In preparation for the fire season firefighters from WoF, last week, cleared bushes and worked on a firebreak in Myddleton.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition to a door-to-door awareness campaign in informal settlements, fire detection equipment will also be installed at strategic points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The recently formed marimba band of Swartberg Primary School gave their debut performance in Caledon during the break.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
In 2002 the United Nations General Assembly declared 13 October International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction to raise awareness of the impact of natural as well as man-made disasters and to encourage risk awareness and disaster reduction 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