Emergency Numbers and Procedures

Safety Overview

Upon your arrival in Cape Town, VACorps prioritizes your safety through a comprehensive safety briefing included in your orientation. This session provides practical guidance on minimizing risks and managing challenging situations should they arise.

Our program staff continuously monitor local conditions to ensure you receive timely updates and support throughout your stay.

All important safety notifications are shared via the VACorps Announcements Group on WhatsApp, which you’ll be added to upon arrival.

VACorps provides 24-hour support, seven days a week. In the event of a serious crisis, we will promptly contact your parents or designated emergency contact to inform them of the situation and provide regular updates.

Note: While VACorps maintains robust safety systems, unforeseen events can still occur. Participants should be prepared to respond calmly and understand that not every situation can be predicted or prevented.

Emergency Procedures

If you encounter an emergency, please follow these steps:

Step 1: Assess the Situation

Determine whether the emergency is immediately life-threatening and time-sensitive. Examples include:

A house fire
A serious car accident
A heart attack

If yes:

Call city first responders immediately (see numbers below).
Then call the VACorps after-hours support line.

If no, and the emergency occurs:

During office hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.):
Contact a VACorps staff member or the VACorps After Hours Support Number
Outside office hours or on weekends:
Call the VACorps After Hours Support Number directly.

Emergency Contact Numbers

You will receive an emergency contact pocket card during orientation. Please save these numbers in your phone and keep your card with you at all times.

Contact	Number	When to Call	Notes
VACorps After Hours Support Number:	+27 82 745 0013	For urgent after hours incidents	Available 24/7. Most important number—save it in your phone.
Nationwide Emergency (cell phones)	112	For life-threatening emergencies (fire, accident, heart attack) Call first if applicable, then call VACorps After Hours Support Number	Works even without airtime or signal; routes to the nearest emergency service.
Observatory Walk Home Service	+27 74 636 9933	To request a walking escort home after dark in Observatory	Example: from Obz Café to 197 Lower Main Rd at 11 p.m.
Rent-a-Room	+27 82 464 2941	For housing emergencies	Example: burst water pipe or lock issue.
Netcare Private Ambulance	+27 82 911	For medical emergencies	Direct line to private ambulance service.
Police (Nationwide)	10111	For emergencies requiring police assistance	Routes to the nearest response team.
Fire Department	+27 21 480 7700	For fire emergencies	Have your exact address ready.
Observatory Neighborhood Watch (Control Room)	+27 21 447 1066	For suspicious behavior	Example: someone loitering or harassing you near your residence.
Mountain Rescue	+27 21 937 0300	For emergencies while hiking	Example: fall or injury on the mountain.
NSRI (Sea Rescue)	087 094 9774	For sea emergencies	Example: swimmer caught in a current.
Excite Cab Services	+27 21 448 4444	If you can’t use Uber and need a cab	Reliable local taxi option.

Quick Tips

Save the VACorps After Hours Support number on your phone immediately.
Keep your emergency contact card in your wallet or phone case.
Use the Observatory Walk Home Service after dark if walking alone.
If an emergency is time sensitive and life threatening phone the city’s first responders first before phone us.
Report all incidents, even minor ones, to VACorps staff so we can provide assistance and keep others safe.
The VACorps after-hours phone line is monitored on a rotating basis by our staff to ensure you have access to support 24/7 should you need it. Please keep in mind that this line is reserved for urgent matters that cannot wait until office hours. Non-urgent messages or casual questions will be answered during regular working hours.