Cold front forecast for Joburg this weekend

Most parts of Gauteng is expected to be hit by a cold front and rain this weekend, the South African Weather Services warned.

The province will experience a significant drop in temperatures with wet conditions. The cold front is currently moving towards the Western Cape, City Buzz reports.

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Joburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) will be on high alert. Spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said this significant drop in temperature means that most of the residents will be exposed to extremely cold temperatures forcing them to use any heating and lighting appliances to try and warm themselves.

“Most of these appliances are not approved by the South African Bureau of Standards ([SABS] and also do not comply with National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications [NRCS] and in most cases, these appliances might explode while in use which might be dangerous and fatal to the user,” Mulaudzi said.

“Hence we encourage our residents to buy any heating devices from reputable dealers.”

EMS will especially focus on the close to 200 informal settlements throughout the City. These are often the most vulnerable to fire incidents.

Although you might know how to keep safe around electrical appliances, a refresher might be what you need.

If you use candles: 

• Keep candles away from children and don’t leave them in a room with a candle unattended
• Store candles, matches and lighters away from the reach of children
• Do not use a candle to light stoves
• Do not use a candle in a confined space.
  

If you use braziers, iImbaula or container fires:

• Use it in a well-ventilated area to avoid carbon monoxide inhalation. Before you go to bed, remember to take it outside
  

If you use paraffin:

• Put your paraffin stove on a flat surface where it can’t fall or get knocked over
• Use safe containers to store paraffin like safety cap bottles.

Remember to never go to bed or leave your house with a candle or paraffin lamp still burning. Switch off heaters and stoves at the plug before going to bed and always put out cigarettes carefully.

For any life-threatening emergencies, call 10177 on a Telkom landline or 112 on your cell phone. You can also contact the City of Johannesburg Emergency Call Centre on 011 375 5911.

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