Residents of the City of Ekurhuleni are currently experiencing freezing temperatures that are dropping by the day.
According to the South African Weather Services (SAWS), the cold temperatures will persist throughout the weekend.
DEMS is closely monitoring the reports that have been issued by the SAWS.
Accordingly, residents of the City are advised to take precautionary measures against the cold.
DEMS is concerned about sporadic fires that are started by people in their quest to keep warm.
Some of these escalate out of control endangering many lives and property.
Just over the weekend, DEMS teams responded to several fire-related incidents where lives and properties were lost.
To protect yourself in extremely cold weather conditions, wear appropriate clothing, travel with caution and be alert for symptoms of cold exposure.
Monitor family members and those close to you who are at greatest risk from exposure such as senior citizens, young children and people with underlying illnesses or chronic diseases.
June and July are regarded as the winter season as these are generally the coldest months in the country.
Winter season is characterised by wet and strong windy conditions.
In such conditions, staying warm and safe can be a challenging factor.
Such conditions can bring subzero temperatures leading to which might freeze water from taps, bursting water pipeline systems.
Strong wind can blow roofs off and entire structures away.
Power failures are rife in winter owing to the high demand for electricity by people in their quest to keep warm.
The absence of electricity might lead to the usage of alternative energy sources to keep safe and warm.
Do not panic, take decisive action by maintaining a heated environment inside your home.
Safety tips:
• Be aware that whatever space heater, either gas, paraffin or electric, can be a fire risk.
Better heaters are those with an automatic shut-off switch and non-glowing elements. Follow the manufacturer’s safety usage guidelines.
• Do not use a heated oven or any makeshift heating sources to warm your home.
• Braziers (mbaulas) are extremely dangerous when used indoors.
They produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide which are deadly silent killers.
Use them outdoors.
• When exposed to cold weather outside, wear layers of warm, dry clothing including a head covering and gloves if possible. Remove any wet clothing promptly.
• Drink warm fluids such as hot chocolate or soup.
Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages which cause the body to lose heat more rapidly.
• Remember to take chronic medication and in case you notice any change in medical conditions, consult your doctor immediately.
• Maintain good nutrition and get plenty of rest.
• Keep animals/pets safe by moving them indoors or provide adequate shelter to keep them warm.
Make sure they have access to unfrozen water.
• When travelling, take with warm clothing and ensure that road conditions fit the type of vehicle to be used.
• When leaving home, ensure that all heat sources are switched off if not monitored.
• Do not leave children alone next to the heating sources.
Remember, matches and lighters are not toys.
Keep them out of reach from children.
• Do not smoke in bed.
Possibilities of falling asleep are high, and with a lit cigarette in your hand, bedding can catch alight.
• Do not throw lit cigarette buds out of the window when driving. It might cause a veld fire.
Veld fires produce heavy dense smoke which can obscure motorists` vision leading to fatal crashes.
In case of life-threatening emergencies, the public around the City is encouraged to call the Life-Threatening Emergency Call Centre number of the City of Ekurhuleni for the attention of emergency services and disaster management interventions.
The number is 011 458 0911.
You can also call 10177 (national toll-free number) or dial 112 from a cellphone.
