Storms, Floods and Fires: A Practical Safety Guide for Joburg Homes

Keeping drains clear and knowing whom to call are practical steps Johannesburg households can take before severe weather strikes.

In its 16 September 2026 spring-rain guidance, the City warned that litter, rubble and garden waste can block drainage systems, contributing to localised flooding, sewer overflows and road damage. It asked residents to help prevent blockages and report problems.

The advice aligns with this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction theme, “Resilience Starts at Home”, which links safer housing to household preparedness.

Before the Rain

The City recommends:

• Clear leaves and debris from your property and surrounding areas.

• Keep rubbish out of stormwater drains, streams and open spaces.

• Report blocked drains, flooded roads and damaged infrastructure.

• Keep children away from rivers, flooded areas and open stormwater channels.

On the road, Johannesburg Metro Police advise motorists to slow down, increase following distances, and never attempt flooded roads or low-lying bridges. Water can conceal damaged road surfaces, open manholes and deep potholes.

Reduce Fire Risks

The City’s June 2026 EMS guidance sets out precautions residents can apply at home:

• Never leave candles, heaters or paraffin stoves unattended.

• Keep heating devices away from curtains, blankets and furniture.

• Avoid overloading electrical plugs.

• Switch off heaters and extinguish flames before you sleep or leave.

• Install smoke detectors and test them regularly.

Keep Essentials Together

ER24’s South African flood-and-fire guide recommends an accessible emergency kit containing:

• Drinking water and non-perishable food.

• A torch with spare batteries.

• A charged phone and power bank.

• Essential medication and prescriptions.

• Copies of identification, medical aid and insurance documents.

• A battery-powered radio for updates during outages.

For food, Garden Route municipal guidance identifies tinned goods, peanut butter and dry cereals as generally safer options during extended power cuts. Include a manual can opener, and keep fridge and freezer doors closed as much as possible during an outage.

Choose supplies suited to your household’s needs and build them gradually where affordable. Make sure everyone knows where they are stored.

Save These Contacts

These contacts appear in the City’s dated 2026 notices. Use emergency lines for urgent danger and the relevant utility channels for routine faults.

When reporting an emergency, give your exact location, what has happened and whether anyone is injured or trapped. Follow the operator’s instructions.

Useful Safety Guides

• Prevent blocked drains and prepare for heavy rain: Read the City of Johannesburg’s guidance.

• Reduce household fire risks and find emergency numbers: Read Joburg EMS’s safety advice.

• Prepare an emergency kit and respond safely to floods and fires: Read ER24’s preparedness guide.

The Bottom Line

Start with an accessible torch, clear exits and emergency contacts saved on your phone. If flooding threatens or an evacuation warning is issued, move to safety promptly rather than delaying to collect supplies.