A heatwave is expected to strike this week in Johannesburg.
Emergency Management Services (EMS) spokesperson, Robert Mulaudzi said they had noted with concern the warning message from the South African Weather Service that most parts of the city would be affected by high temperatures, with temperatures persistently higher than 40°C
On 25 October, temperatures in Joburg were expected to reach a maximum of 31°C. Mulaudzi said the current heat wave meant that most residents would be exposed to extremely hot temperatures and that exposure to this kind of heat could easily lead to heat cramps, exhaustion or even heat stroke.
EMS has issued the following safety tips:
- Keep indoors if possible
- Keep cool by drinking lots of fluids and wearing light clothing
- Protect young children by making them wear hats and putting on sunscreen
- Stay away from direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm.
- Cool yourself off by visiting your local municipal swimming pools.
Mulaudzi has also warned about the possibility of veld fires. “The hot, dry and windy weather also present the threat of veld fires and people are discouraged from dumping their burning cigarette butts in dry grass or leaving open fires unmonitored.”
Tips to survive the heat:
- Avoid direct sunlight by wearing a hat and applying sunscreen
- Do not leave children or pets in parked, locked vehicles
- Stay in the shade
- Drink lots of water or fluids to prevent dehydration
- Take frequent breaks if you are working outdoors
- Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated or carbonated drinks.
- For those who will be swimming to cool off, here are some safety tips:
- Swimming pools should be covered with a safety net at all times while not in use
- Install a fence around the swimming pool
- The fence around a swimming pool should be high enough to prevent children from climbing over it and the gate must always be locked if not in use
- Use your local municipal swimming pools which have lifeguards on site.
Details: For any life-threatening emergencies call 10177 on a Telkom landline or 112 on your cellphone or 011 375 5911.
