The City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) is committed to providing a sustainable emergency service to all the citizens of Joburg. It contributes directly to the City's vision and priorities through its reactive and proactive services.
Through its proactive services, the unit plays a direct role in changing residents' perceptions of their own safety. Through its reactive services, it is committed to ensuring that response times of fire & rescue services are world standard.
It continuously develops programmes and awareness campaigns to enhance service delivery. These are informed by the risk profile that the City develops and updates regularly to ensure consistent monitoring relevance of the services.
Some of the EMS programmes are:
BESAFE: Basic Emergencies, Safety and Fire Education programme is an injury prevention and disaster preparedness programme geared especially towards young children. It is designed to help children and families to create safer homes and communities by giving them appropriate skills and knowledge.
There are twelve BESAFE Centres in the City – Alexandra; Berea; Central; Cosmo City; Dube; Eldorado Park; Florida Park; Ivory Park; Jabulani; Orange Farm; Protea Glen; and Randburg.
Seasonal Safety Awareness Campaigns
The Safety Awareness Campaign is an ongoing, year-round public education programme designed to equip communities with essential knowledge to stay safe during high-risk periods and everyday life. Through targeted messaging and community outreach, the campaign promotes vigilance and preparedness across the City of Johannesburg.
- Summer Safety: Water, Flood & Heatwave Preparedness
During the summer months, EMS intensifies awareness around water safety, flood risks, and heatwave protection. Communities receive guidance on safe swimming practices, avoiding flash-flood hazards, recognising heat-related illnesses, and protecting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
- Winter Fire Safety & Burns Prevention
In winter, the campaign focuses on reducing fire incidents and burn injuries—especially in high-risk areas. Residents are educated on safe heating practices, the dangers of illegal electrical connections, correct use of candles and open flames, and how to respond to burns and household fires. - Year-Round Fire Safety Education
Beyond seasonal risks, the campaign reinforces everyday fire safety behaviour, promoting safe cooking, proper use of electrical appliances, early reporting of hazards, and general household preparedness.
Key Message
The core emphasis of the Seasonal Safety Awareness Campaign is simple yet crucial:
Communities must remain vigilant at all times. By staying alert, informed, and prepared, residents can significantly reduce the likelihood of emergencies and help build a safer Johannesburg.
NB: Training Academy (Remove all the information about Training Academy under the Projects and Programmes and put it under Corporate Services Directorate page)
