Cape Town - The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre (DRMC) said that volunteers play a critical role in disaster mitigation efforts.
DRMC has relied heavily on its crop of volunteers in the past year to amplify its response to fires, floods and other public safety risks in Cape Town.
The metro has experienced a surge in severe weather conditions in the past two years, including damaging winds and record high rainfall, that has resulted in flooding, property damage and accelerated the extent of both wildfires and structural fires.
It has resulted in an increased demand on the services of the Disaster Risk Management Centre, and its dedicated crop of volunteers, to help those in need.
DRMC has 419 registered volunteers, working in teams in various parts of the metropole.
They are activated through the Disaster Operations Centre via their unit coordinators to assist officials in affected communities for the duration of an incident or event.
During the period April to June this year, volunteers spent 18 471 hours assisting DRMC officials – this equates to more than 769 days of voluntary service.
The appointment of volunteers is entrenched in the Disaster Management Volunteer Regulations Framework, which allows the City to establish volunteer units and by doing so, empowering communities to effectively respond to disaster relief efforts.
Mayco Member for Safety and Security, JP Smith said: “The demands on our resources have only grown in recent years, as we witness the changing weather patterns and its impact on our city. We couldn’t keep up, if not for our volunteers.
“And they’re not only there during the times of disaster – they are also very visible in our daily education and awareness initiatives, going door-to-door in communities to advocate for disaster mitigation.
“Some of them have been in the ranks for many years, and we truly appreciate their commitment and dedication to the cause, whether during floods or frantic wildfires,” Smith said.
“I want to express the City’s gratitude for their years of service, acts of bravery and contributions to the community.”
Volunteers regularly attend free training in first aid, firefighting, occupational health and safety interventions as well as radio communication to enhance their skills and preparedness in assisting during disasters.
Over time, some volunteers have joined the centre on a permanent basis - ten percent of the current DRMC staff complement are former volunteers.
Members of the community, who are interested in becoming volunteers must meet specific criteria, such as being a South African citizen, not younger than 16 years with no criminal record.
In addition, applicants must also undergo a drug test and criminal check.
Applicants should be dedicated, committed, willing to undergo training and willing to work at least 12 hours per month.
For further details, including how to register, please visit: https://www.capetown.gov.za/City-Connect/Get-involved/Volunteer/disaster-risk-management-centre