08/01/2026
*π₯ FIRE NEARBY? DO THIS NOW β HOUSE SAFETY (10β20 MINUTES)*
π£π£These steps buy time. Lives come first.
Mossel Bay & surrounds | EMBERS are the biggest danger
β±οΈ *STEP 1: CLEAR FIRE FUEL (5 MINUTES)*
Embers ignite clutter. Remove it fast.
β Move patio furniture, cushions, carpets, mats inside
β Remove doormats
β Move bins, braai wood, firewood away from walls
β Close umbrellas, move pot plants away from doors/windows
βΈ»
πͺ *STEP 2: PREP WINDOWS & DOORS (3 MINUTES)*
Stop embers from getting in.
β CLOSE windows & doors
β OPEN curtains / blinds (fabric catches embers)
β Lock windows if time allows
π₯ *STEP 3: GAS & ELECTRICS (2 MINUTES)*
β Turn OFF gas bottles
β Switch off unnecessary appliances
β Leave outside lights on if advised (helps visibility in smoke)
π§ *STEP 4: WATER β VERY IMPORTANT (5β10 MINUTES)*
Water = ember defence, not fire-fighting.
β Fill 2L bottles / any bottles with water
β Place them:
β’ Along doorways
β’ Against wooden fences
β’ At vulnerable corners of
the house
β’ spread them around in
open erven/grass areas
around community /
green areas
β Wet:
β’ Door frames
β’ Garden beds near walls
β’ Decks / steps
β Connect hoses to taps
β Leave taps on low pressure if water is available
β οΈ Do NOT spray into the air or toward active flames.
πͺ *STEP 5: READY TO LEAVE (2 MINUTES)*
β Grypsak by the door (see group pin π)
β Shoes on or next to bag
β Keys together
β Pets leashed / carriers ready
β DO NOT
β Stand watching or filming
β Waste water spraying smoke
β Stay if told to evacuate
π§ REMEMBER THIS
π₯ Flames destroy. Embers ignite.
Most homes burn from embers, not walls harte of fire.
π³π³*Please share this exact message so people can act now, not panic.*