EASTFORD Safety: a 9-step plan
Disaster Management Plan
The Eastford Resident Estates have developed a comprehensive Disaster Management Action Plan to safeguard their communities. The plan is based on lessons learned from previous wildfires and was created with the help of the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association. While many of the lessons learned are derived from the 2017 wildfires, the mitigation measures and protocols are applicable for all kind of emergencies and disasters.
The four Homeowners’ Associations are responsible for coordinating resources and monitoring implementation and maintenance status. Residents contribute to that effort by ensuring compliance on their individual properties and by reporting any notable shortcomings.
Below is a summery of the most important measures implemented.
1. Evacuation Routes: Improving the ESKOM servitude track to ensure accessibility for all vehicles, thereby facilitating swift evacuation.
2. Evacuation Marshals: Appointing evacuation marshals who will serve as points of information, equipping residents with essential procedures, escape routes, and best practices during emergencies.
3. First Response Team: Establishing a first response firefighting team to act swiftly and decisively in the event of a wildfire outbreak.
4. Vegetation Management: Clearing invasive plants and bush around strategic areas such as fire hydrants, evacuation roads.
5. Registration: Ensuring that all estates are duly registered with the Southern Cape Fire Protection Association (SCFPA) to foster cooperation and coordination in disaster response.
6. Firebreaks: Managing and maintaining firebreaks to create natural barriers and impediments to the spread of wildfires.
7. Community Engagement: Actively engaging with neighbouring properties that may pose a fire risk, fostering a collective approach to wildfire prevention.
8. Effective Communication: Establishing robust communication channels to disseminate critical fire safety information and updates to homeowners.
9. Progress reports: Ensuring implementation, and accountability.
Furthermore, an Action Plan will encompass a comprehensive Progress Report, chronicling the strides already taken on this journey towards enhanced disaster resilience. Once completed, this will ensure that the community has an effective and efficient plan in place to safeguard itself from future disasters.