Cape Town’s fire season occurs from November through to May which are our hottest, and driest months. Together with our beloved south-easterly “Cape Doctor” – which adores clearing our city of pollution – these arid conditions create ideal opportunities for wildfires to spark and quickly rage out of control.
From our homes and businesses to our beloved Table Mountain National Park, there are various organisations in place to manage fire safety and intervene both to avoid fires and to control them when they happen.
It’s true that fires are a part of the South African landscape and occur naturally in grasslands, woodlands, fynbos, and sometimes in indigenous forests. However, there has been a disastrous loss of natural diversity in our fynbos ecosystem and an invasion of Australian wattles, Eucalypts and Mediterranean pines. Now, our fires burn hotter for longer and each fire destroys more than the last. Meaning it’s more important now than ever to actively keep your home, family and business safe and to protect the life and value they hold.
Home and Work Checklist for Fire Safety
Ember-proofing any area, requires the removal of all flammable plants up to 7m from a building, as well as overhanging branches. Checking and cleaning gutters and roofing for debris is important too.
Always remember, your safety is first and if you are not properly trained, call for assistance.
Make sure that all your insurance documents and other important documentation are backed up securely to the cloud.
Assign tasks to staff and run fire drills so that everyone is prepared in an emergency.
If you need to stay and help fight fires, cover your head, nose and mouth and protect your eyes with goggles. Wear good shoes and gloves.
If you have access to water, wet the roof and gutters to stop hot ash from burning the roof.
Keep grass cut as short as possible as it helps slow the fire.
Keep a hose pipe rolled up and ready.
Keep fire extinguishers around that are regularly maintained and train your staff on how to use them safely and correctly.
Other interventions that you can implement on a larger scale include considering your construction materials if you are remodelling and supplementing them for fire-resistant alternatives. You should also ensure full continued compliance with all local and national fire safety codes and think about installing fire protection systems such as overhead sprinklers.
Unfortunately, despite all the precautions, a fire can happen to any size business at any time. That is why protecting your employees and your property should be a top priority. Following the above steps will help you avoid any fires breaking out and minimise fire-related damages. While there may be no such thing as truly “fireproof,” these guidelines are an excellent starting point for safeguarding your business.
https://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SBID_Logo1-300x298.jpg00adminhttps://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SBID_Logo1-300x298.jpgadmin2022-02-28 12:42:462024-02-21 12:47:30Trial By Fire – Fire Safety In Cape Town’s Summer
As we charge into 2022, there is undeniable trepidation surrounding the new challenges and triumphs the year will bring. This year we will continue to create an urban ecosystem that is safe, accessible and inviting to all the workers, visitors and community members of our district. As in years before, we are unwavering in our commitment to the property and business owners of our area and intend to consolidate and elevate our services based on the successes of last year.
In 2022 we strive to:
Create a safe and clean public environment by addressing issues of maintenance and by cleaning our streets, pavements and public spaces.
Increase public safety through proactive visible patrolling and by supporting the efforts of the SAPS, City of Cape Town and private security providers.
Manage existing and new public infrastructure for the future benefit of our community members.
Decrease property-related crime to protect community members through our security-related partnerships and to protect property values to attract new investment to the area.
Support the promotion of the businesses in our area by implementing urban greening, promoting energy efficiency initiatives, widening our recycling networks and bettering our risk and disaster management services.
Support and promote social responsibility in the area and assist with the management and upliftment of people living on the streets.
Encourage the maintenance and upgrading of private properties and public spaces in the area.
We believe in the heart of our institution that the challenges we face are not insurmountable.
Together with the City of Cape Town, our partners, outreach initiatives and local business owners, we will continue to strive towards reinvigorating our urban environment. Ultimately, together we can create a stable, safe, clean area that is prosperous for our community both economically and socially.
Headlines from the City
The City of Cape Town warns to be aware of scammers posing as electricity officials to gain access to your wallet and home. All officials will have an identification card with the City logo, with their name and surname and a photo. If you have any doubts call the COCT on 0860 103 089 to confirm their ID and work order number.
The City of Cape Town urges their suppliers to be cautious of fake Request for Quotation (RFQ) emails sent to them, as if it is being sent from the City. Please report any suspicious emails to the City for further investigation.
Struggling to pay your rates and taxes? The City of Cape Town has a wide range of financial relief options available. To learn more, click here.
https://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Geocentric-Team-1-Dec2021-.jpg7681024adminhttps://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SBID_Logo1-300x298.jpgadmin2022-01-24 11:47:332022-01-24 11:47:37Welcoming a new year, new challenges and new triumphs
After a challenging 2021, filled with great uncertainty and change globally, many of us are looking forward to wrapping things up for a well deserved holiday with family and friends. Ensuring that your property is secure and your business protected is the best Christmas gift you can give yourself and will give you the peace of mind that will allow you to relax and recuperate.
Here are our top tips to keep your property safe so you can enjoy the merry season:
Protecting Your Property:
Ensure you have an alarm – Have an alarm installed by a reputable security company that you trust. Effective alarm systems include armed response services, detection beams, window sensors and electric fences.
Make sure that your alarm system is working – This includes checking that the backup battery works by doing a final test with your security company.
Do a thorough physical perimeter check – Ensure there are no access points, such as gaps in the fence, that intruders could enter through.
Check your access points – Make sure that all doors, gates, windows, locks, security bars and roller shutters are in proper working condition and properly locked when you leave the premises.
Remove potential tools – All wooden pallets, tires and other items that could be used to breach the perimeter of your property must be stored away and all trees and bushes must be trimmed to ensure possible intruders can’t hide in them.
Collect all keys – All copies of keys, access cards and remote controls for gates and garage doors that are not in use during your absence must be handed in and secured.
Check your emergency contact – The emergency contact number should be for someone with access to ALL entry points of the property. Their contact details should be displayed on the outside of the property for emergency services to contact them in case of fire, theft or crisis.
Be prepared for an emergency – Keep a list of emergency service providers such as a plumber, electrician and general contractor handy. You should also phone them and get the details of the appropriate staff that will be on call during the festive holidays.
Do your banking beforehand – Do not leave any valuable items or cash on the premises if they cannot be properly secured.
Install adequate exterior lighting – This serves both as a deterrent and to help authorities catch suspicious persons lurking near your property. Connecting outdoor lights to timers and motion sensors can also help you save on your power bill.
Check the lights – All exterior lights should be in working order as they are a deterrent to criminals and essential for the detection of a potential intruder by security.
Do your CCTV camera maintenance – If you have CCTV cameras on your premises, ensure they are placed strategically with no blind spots and have been inspected and that their backup batteries are in proper working condition.
Prevention is better than cure, and we urge all property owners to make every effort to properly prepare for the coming weeks. After a challenging year for all, we sincerely hope that you can rest easy in the knowledge that we will be working through the festive season to keep your homes and businesses safe.
To share your story with us and stand a chance to be featured in one of our future newsletters email us at media@geocentric.co.za.
If you have any safety concerns to share, please contact one of the following numbers:
· 10111 – SAPS (South African Police Services)
· 107 – City of Cape Town Disaster Management
· 0860 103 099 – Secure Rite Control Room
To contact the City of Cape Town
Please use the City’s Customer Services call centre to request a service or query your account. You will receive a reference number that you can use to track the request. The best option is to use the City’s website www.capetown.gov.za and select ‘Service Requests’ on the home page, then follow instructions and capture each location as a separate request. The service selections and location determine to which department the request is routed by the system.
You can also send an email to the call centre contactus@capetown.gov.za for each request stating the request, location, complainant’s name, complainant’s contact details and any additional comments.
You can also SMS 31373 (Maximum 160 characters) OR Call 086 010 3089
https://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/wooden-keychain-white-scaled.jpg25602560adminhttps://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SBID_Logo1-300x298.jpgadmin2021-11-24 05:46:342024-02-21 12:41:32How to Prepare Your Property For the Festive Season
We believe that you are an expert in your area and have seen the positive change we can make first-hand. You know better than anyone, where our precious resources are best spent and we value your contribution in helping us plan for future projects.
The legislative structure governing much of our work in your area is up for amendment. We hope that the proposed changes of making the processes of starting and running a CID more structured will improve the efficiency of CIDs citywide.
https://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SBID_Logo1-300x298.jpg00adminhttps://strandbid.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/SBID_Logo1-300x298.jpgadmin2021-08-21 04:56:492021-08-21 04:56:52City Improvement District By-Law & City Improvement District Policy
At the Strand Business Improvement District (SBID), we strive towards creating a safer, cleaner, and more connected community. We are proud of Strands beginnings as a sleepy seaside village but also understand the potential excellence modernising, integrating, and diversifying our urban community can bring. That is why we are so excited to update you on Future Strand, our initiative aimed at streamlining the decision-making processes involved in district improvement to maximise efficiency on our path to reinstituting Strand as a prime place to earn, explore and enjoy.
Strand Business Improvement District (BID) – Sculpture Walk
Future Strand is a Srand Business Improvement District (SBID) initiative dedicated to revitalizing our neighbourhood by providing a space where the Strand BID, residents, business owners and officials from the City of Cape Town can come together to solve challenges. In the past few months, Future Strand and its workgroups have worked on multiple interventions to ignite inter-organisation motivation and create the momentum necessary for change.
Ultimately, local business stakeholders like you matter most, and through initiatives like Future Strand, we can all benefit from hearing your suggestions. After all, according to the World Bank, SMEs like yours account for approximately 90% of businesses and more than 50% of employment worldwide. As part of a country in dire need of progress, we believe at the Strand BID that we must actively support SME growth to create jobs that will feed our people and educate the next generation of our leaders.
So, how does one go about revitalising a local economy? Well, we work together.
Strand Business Improvement District (BID) – Showcasing local artists
Future Strand will host regular round tables to discuss topics like:
Introducing the Internal Project Management Team for the Community-Driven Planning Initiative.
Discussing Future Strand’s stakeholder mapping to ensure everyone has a voice and is included as part of the stakeholder management planning process.
Deliberating over how future NGO mapping can educate, mobilise and prioritise local NGOs and allocate resources to developing appropriate support.
We also believe that Arts and Culture form the soul of a city, which is why the Strand BID is giving our full support in protecting Urban Art Initiatives by:
Maintaining urban spaces surrounding the planned ‘Sculpture Walk’. A collaboration between the Strand BID, Lionel Smit Studios, the City of Cape Town, and local business stakeholders resulted in public art installations for all to enjoy along the promenade on Beach Road.
Advocating for diversity and inclusion in Urban arts initiatives. The third phase of the Sculpture walk will showcase the splendid work of local sculptors from disadvantaged communities.
Facilitating the integration between local artists and The City of Cape Town in the installation of murals. Murals will be on City property but if you have an idea on how to brighten our streets on private property, contact our Future Strand department on info@futurestrand.co.za and share your thoughts.
Assisting with upgrading public facilities such as circles, public ablutions and the repair and maintenance of the Fountain.
Working with the City of Cape Town to begin a Community-Driven Planning initiative to develop a Spatial Framework and Precinct Plan for the CBD.
Collaborating with the Helderberg District Plan, to create a planning structure for new urban development and land-use change for the Strand area. This will guide future land use stipulations and earmark the area for mixed-use intensification which is essential to creating space for businesses at ground level along Beach Road.
Activating cultural events in the area. Currently, a Culture working group is in the planning phase with artists, venues, and sponsors to identify and collate a 2022 Events Calendar.
Implementing the 3 markets that are planned for the CBD area, namely a village market, a fresh produce market and a monthly evening market.
Revitalizing the Main Road from the Circle to Fagan Street through greening, sidewalk construction and Road Island upgrades.
Upgrading Informal Market Structures in the new financial year after the data on the current situation has been collected and a plan theorised. All market entrepreneurs will need to register electronically on the city database which assists in legalizing all facets of the market.
We are bewildered by the amount of support that we have already received from property owners in the area. In Beach Road for instance many have contributed largely by carrying out significant facade improvements through painting their buildings and upgrading their fixtures.
As Business and Property owners in the Strand BID, you can support our bright future by:
Supporting Future Strand in formalising the informal market in collaboration with the Area Economic Development Department of the City of Cape Town.
Involving your professional network in future initiatives to attract more investment from the private sector to the area by linking new entrepreneurs with investors and empty venues.
Supporting initiatives that support our people, like the Nana’s initiative. Nanas is specifically designed to get older women involved in the creative manufacturing process of upmarket children’s clothing. Their skills of knitting, crocheting, and sewing will help generate stock that can be sold at markets once restrictions are lifted.
Sharing your thoughts on our potential recycling initiative, which will be based on an open-source system that stimulates job creation and minimises our current waste issues. Precious Plastic is an incredible turnkey solution that provides all the necessary information to start.
International Collaboration
To ensure that we are working in line with the latest academic research, Future Strand has established a working relationship with Avans Hogeschool in the Netherlands to attract multi-disciplinary teams to assist on issues such as:
The development of a sustainable model for community-based initiatives that focus on land-use/spatial planning, urban revitalisation, and socio-economic development.
Transport and parking solutions for the Strand Beachfront area.
The Socio-Economic revitalisation of the Strand CBD with a focus on ‘Support local’ and unlocking the ‘Adventure’ potential of Strand.
Waste management and recycling for the larger Strand area to tackle the waste issue and to establish sustainable businesses based on the waste industry and recycling.
At the Strand BID, we plan to collaborate extensively long into our prosperous future to generate the wealth of knowledge and financial resources essential to making Strand a sustainable, supportive community. In our ongoing mission to uncover Strands full potential, we are edging closer every day to becoming the commercial urban utopia we dream of being. All we need now is your voice.
We love focusing on the positive and believe in creating and digitising a community through local Good News storytelling. To be featured as our next #GoodNews story in our next Newsletter simply send your story to info@strandbid.co.za
If you want to learn more about how you can become a part of our Future Strand Initiative contact our Future Strand Project Manager Annelie Rossouw on 082 552 1311or email at annelie.r@mweb.co.za or our Strand BID manager Johan Erasmas on 074 300 0353.
If you have any safety concerns to report, please contact one of the following numbers:
Sedert die instelling van die SBID (‘Strand Business Improvement District) ‘n paar jaar gelede, heers die algemene mening dat die sakesentrum van die dorp beslis ‘n skoner en veiliger plek vir almal is, en statistieke bevestig dit ook.
Dit dek as ‘t ware die tafel vir die ‘Future Strand’-inisiatief om aan planne te werk wat die Strand hopelik ook ‘n nóg gewilder woon-, werk- en beleggingskeuse sal maak.
