Know your emergency numbers
During an emergency, it is easy to become disoriented and upset, however, knowing what number to call for help could be the difference between life and death.
According to Emergency Services spokesperson, William Ntladi, the best time to prepare for an emergency would be before one happens, and the first step would be to make sure the whole family knows emergency phone numbers.
The National Emergency number 10111 is mainly for the police-related emergency cases and, according to Ntladi, not for fire and ambulance emergency services cases.
“I would like to advise residents that the Fire and Ambulance Emergency Services number is 10177 and it is a toll free number.
“The number will always link you to the nearest emergency services call centre throughout the country, depending on the geographical area,” says Ntladi.
The number 10177 links with the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality call centre in Bedfordview, which will send the call through to one of the three dispatching centres around the city.
“Alternatively, one can use the 112 number on the cellphone, which is a toll free number also.
“One has to follow the voice instruction to be able to get to the type of service in need such as the fire brigade, ambulance, traffic and police,” says Ntladi.
Ekurhuleni’s Emergency Services direct emergency number is 011 458 0911, however, it is not a toll free number but a paid line.
