Don’t let inclement weather get the better of you – be prepared with these AfriForum tips

Soundbite: Tarien Cooks (English)

Klankgreep: Tarien Cooks (Afrikaans)

AfriForum encourages communities to be prepared and take the necessary precautions for the cold and wet weather conditions that have already descended on large parts of South Africa today. While temperatures have already dropped, many areas are expecting more rain, snow and strong winds.

“The civil rights organisation wants to emphasize that communities should not be caught off guard. Weather conditions can worsen in an instant, but the impact of this extreme weather can be significantly reduced if people do the necessary planning and quickly adapt to their circumstances,” says Tarien Cooks, AfriForum’s Disaster Management Specialist.

AfriForum suggests, among other things, that people remain largely indoors during extremely cold weather conditions, but still prepare themselves for power outages. Along with this, communities are encouraged to assist vulnerable neighbours – such as the elderly and children – during this time.

The public is also encouraged to regularly monitor the latest weather forecasts and warnings, to make arrangements for safe travel and their livestock, and to be especially vigilant around rivers, flooded areas, and mountain passes.