The 500 smoke alarms were today fitted inside the homes of residents affected by a fire in October.
The City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management Centre, in partnership with Santam, installed 500 smoke alarms in Khayelitsha today.
The devices were donated by Santam following a fire in SST Section in Khayelitsha in October.
One person died, 342 structures were destroyed and more than one thousand persons were displaced as a result of the fire.
Businesses, non-governmental organisations and residents responded in their numbers to assist those affected. Santam is one of those businesses that responded to the call to action by donating the smoke alarms.
‘The City wishes to thank Santam for making this contribution. In doing so, it is making a difference in vulnerable communities. The City of Cape Town already institutes a number of measures as part of its fire and flood risk mitigation, but partnerships like these go a long way to improving the safety of residents in informal settlements,’ said the City’s Portfolio Committee Chairperson for Safety and Security; and Social Services, Councillor Mzwakhe Nqavashe.
The installation of the smoke alarms was done by the Disaster Risk Management Centre’s Volunteer Corps and the South African Navy. Various other interested and affected parties were present, including the City’s Fire and Rescue Service, the Western Cape Social Development Department and Doctors Without Borders.
‘Many fires start while people are asleep, so these smoke alarms are meant to act as a warning system with the ultimate aim of reducing the extent of fires as well as the risk of injury or even death. The Disaster Risk Management Centre will ensure that each recipient is fully appraised of how the alarm works, and how to test it to ensure it remains in proper working order,’ said the Head of the City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre, Greg Pillay.
The smoke alarms are photo-electric devices, which means that they detect smoke particles. The devices are fitted with high performance lithium batteries that last for the life of the product, which comes with a 10 year warranty.