Century City conducted a scheduled disaster simulation exercise on 30 October 2024, simulating a gas explosion at Canal Walk’s Pick and Pay receiving parking area. To create a realistic scenario, smoke canisters were used to mimic the effects of gas and fire from an explosion, allowing teams to practice responding to a complex emergency.
The drill included key participants from the City of Cape Town’s Disaster Risk Management and Fire and Rescue.
“During this quarter’s simulation, we involved Canal Walk to ensure that all our major stakeholders and involved, and our response protocols are tested.” said Marinus Boshoff, Safety & Security Manager at the Century City Property Owners’ Association (CCPOA). “The exercise allowed our various response teams to manage the scene and assist ‘injured patients’ effectively.”
The CCPOA mobile water unit was also deployed during the simulation, and security staff practiced managing three simulated injuries, using international medical codes to classify these from fatality to non-serious.
These quarterly disaster simulations are essential in training the Century City Emergency Response Team (ERT) to effectively respond to real-life crises. By simulating different emergency scenarios, our teams can identify potential weaknesses, improve coordination and communication, and strengthen critical scene management skills.
The Century City Safety and Security Team, as the first line of response to any fire or medical incident, demonstrated exceptional commitment. With their comprehensive fire and medical training, they are prepared to respond 24/7 to any emergency, underscoring our commitment to safety for all in Century City.
“This type of simulation brings tremendous benefits,” Boshoff continued, “allowing Century City teams and other participants to practice response strategies, refine coordination, and bolster resilience. The hands-on experience enhances our readiness to protect lives, minimise damage, and ensure swift recovery in an actual disaster.”
