Tips for swift fire response

The Blairgowrie Community Association will be partnering with the Old Parktonians Sports Club and the Craighall Residents’ Association (CRA) from 9am. Meet at the Old Parktonians Sports Club, and you can park behind the bowling club at the Garden Road, Bordeaux south (just off Jan Smuts Avenue) entrance.

Besides the clean-up, 90 trees will be planted. Sixty were donated by Johannesburg City Parks and 30 by landscaper Patrick Watson.

Much work has already been done along this section of the spruit by residents living in the area and the difference made already has been amazing.

However, more work and beautification is still required.

Bring a hat, sunscreen and rubber gloves.

Refuse bags will be provided and the holes for the trees will be dug already for planting, so bring a spade if you can.

Water and cooldrinks will be provided by both the BCA and the CRA.

Join the spruit clean-up and meet neighbours

THE Cleveland Community Police Forum has produced a guide to calling the fire brigade.

Don’t call the fire station directly, but call the control centre on 011 375 5911 (toll free), 10177 (landline) or 112 (cellphone). From there, dispatchers will send an available vehicle.

Calling 011 375 5911 is a direct line to the emergency services in Joburg, so reaction time will be quicker.

The control centre automated answer.

Several fire stations don’t have fire vehicles at present, although 29 new trucks have been ordered and will arrive soon.

It is imperative that callers give the correct address, as well as include any landmarks and nearest street corner.

Residents should join their local WhatsApp street group, as neighbours can fulfil an important role in helping both to start extinguishing a fire, assisting those in need and directing the fire trucks to the correct address.