Heatwave safety tips – Joburg to reach over 40

City of Joburg Emergency Management Services has provided safety tips in light of a heatwave in Joburg this week, where spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said temperatures will be “persistently high to over 40 degrees.”

“This current heatwave means that most of the citizens of the city of Johannesburg will be exposed to extremely hot temperatures. Exposure to this kind of heat can easily lead to heat cramps, exhaustion or heat stroke,” he said.

Heatwave safety tips:

• Keep indoors if possible or stay under shade

• Keep cool by drinking lots of fluids and wearing light clothing

• Protect young children by wearing hats and sunscreen

• Stay away from direct sunlight especially between 11am and 3pm

• Cool yourself by visiting your local municipal swimming pools. They have life guards on site

• Do not leave children or pets in parked locked vehicles

• If you are working outdoors, take frequent breaks

• Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated or carbonated drinks.

Mulaudzi’s Safety tips at the pool:

• Swimming pools should be covered with a safety net all the times while not in use

• Install a fence around a swimming pool

• The fence around the swimming pool should be high enough to prevent children from climbing over it and it must always be locked if not in use

• Use your local municipal swimming pools which have life guards on site

Mulaudzi added, “Stay safe around water during this period of heat wave. For any life threatening emergencies call 10 177 on Telkom landline or 112 on your cell phone or 011 375 5911.”