23/08/2026
CAER Promotes Fire Safety Education Through Teacher Guide Handover
The GMM Community Awareness and Emergency Response (CAER) Committee, in partnership with the Department of Education District Office, recently handed over Learn Not to Burn Teacher Guides to Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centres across the Govan Mbeki Municipality. The initiative forms part of CAER's ongoing commitment to promoting safety awareness and equipping educators with the knowledge and resources needed to teach young children important fire and emergency safety principles.
The Learn Not to Burn programme is an internationally recognized fire safety education initiative designed to introduce young learners to essential safety concepts in an engaging and age-appropriate manner. Through stories, activities, demonstrations, and classroom discussions, children learn how to identify fire hazards, react safely during emergencies, and understand the importance of following safety instructions from trusted adults.
During the handover event, representatives from CAER highlighted the critical role that teachers play in shaping safety-conscious communities. By providing educators with structured teaching material, the programme ensures that fire safety education becomes part of everyday learning in ECD centres. The partnership between CAER and the District Educational Department demonstrates a shared commitment to protecting children and building resilience within local communities.
In addition to the distribution of the teacher guides, CAER representatives introduced educators to the CAER page, which serves as an important communication platform for community safety information. The page regularly shares updates on emergency preparedness, fire prevention tips, hazardous weather information, shelter-in-place guidance, and community awareness campaigns. Educators were encouraged to follow and share information from the page with parents and caregivers, helping to extend safety awareness beyond the classroom and into homes throughout the municipality.
Another important topic discussed during the handover was the operation of the town emergency warning sirens located in Secunda, Embalenhle, and Trichardt. CAER emphasized the need for both educators and community members to understand the purpose of these sirens and the actions required when they are activated.
Participants were informed that a three-minute wailing siren in Secunda and Trichardt indicates a major emergency that may have the potential to impact surrounding communities. Should the siren sound, members of the public are advised to immediately seek shelter inside the nearest building. Once indoors, doors and windows should be closed, ventilation systems switched off where possible, and individuals should remain sheltered until further instructions are communicated through official channels.
Educators were encouraged to incorporate these emergency procedures into their school emergency plans and to regularly discuss the actions with staff and learners in an age-appropriate manner. Understanding and practicing these procedures can help reduce panic and improve safety during a real emergency.
The handover event reinforced the importance of collaboration between educational institutions, emergency services, industry partners, and community organizations. Through initiatives such as the Learn Not to Burn programme, CAER continues to invest in the safety and wellbeing of the communities of Secunda, Embalenhle, Trichardt, and the greater Govan Mbeki Municipality. By empowering teachers with knowledge and resources, CAER is helping to build a safer and more prepared future for the next generation.
