Heatwave safety tips

When temperature and the humidity is high at the same time or when the temperature exceeds a certain threshold, human’s ability to cool their bodies through sweating is reduced.

In such instances, the real threat is heat related illnesses to life.

Children, elderly and the obese people have a high risk of developing heat illnesses including outdoor workers.  People taking certain medications or consuming alcohol also have high risk. Athletes in superb healthy conditions can also succumb to heat related illnesses if ignoring the early warning signs.

Heatwave warning issued for Gauteng

Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) urged residents to be extra cautious as temperatures have been extremely high and we can anticipate more high temperatures due to ELNINO weather patterns.

Below are tips when you find yourself in extreme hot conditions:

• Drink plenty of water very often, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don’t feel thirty. If you are on a fluids restrictive diet, consult a physician before increasing consumption of fluids.
• Rest and cool down in the shade during breaks.
• Lightweight, bright, loose fitting clothes reflects heat and sunlight away. “Prevents heat absorption”.
• Take a cool bath or shower.
• Don`t take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
• Spend more time in air conditioned places.
• Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day, usually early morning or in the evening.

Animals at risk during heatwave

Heat Cramps:

Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat related illness and may lead to Heat exhaustion or Heat Stroke.

Sign and symptoms of Heat Cramp:

• Painful muscles cramps and spasm usually in legs and abdomen.
• Heavy sweating.

First Aid:

• Apply firm pressure on the cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm.
• Have sips of cool water unless if feeling nauseas, then stop having water.

Heat Exhaustion:

Signs and Symptoms:

• Heavy sweating.
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Nausea and Vomiting.
• Cool, Pale and Clammy skin.
• Fast and Weak pulse (Heart beat).

First Aid

• Move person to a cooler environment.
• Apply cool, wet clothes to as much of the body as possible.
• Lay the person down and loosen tight clothes.
• Offer sips of water if patient still conscious.
• Seek medical attention immediately.

Heat Stroke.

Sign and Symptoms:

• Altered mental state.
• Headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing.
• Hot, red, dry or moist skin.
• Rapid and strong Pulse (Heart beat).
• Faints, loses consciousness.

First Aid:

• Get the victim immediately to the medical facility/ hospital.
• Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air- conditioned environment.
• Reduce body temperature with cool clothes or bath.
• Don’t give fluids.

In case of an emergency contact:

• 10177  National Toll Free Number
• 112 from your cellular phone.
• 011 458- 0911 for  Life Threatening Ekurhuleni Emergencies.