City of Johannesburg Emergency Management Services (EMS) has warned residents of an expected heatwave in Gauteng this weekend.
This comes after the South African Weather Service confirmed that it would be 34 degrees Celsius in Johannesburg going into the weekend.
Read more: Why a heatwave can spell trouble for pregnant moms
EMS spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said, “That is why we have an alert of a heatwave. We will remain on high alert throughout the weekend to make sure that we can effectively respond to all emergencies which might occur throughout the city of Johannesburg.”
He added the heatwave could cause heat cramps and exhaustion in people, which might lead to heat stroke.
He shared the following heatwave 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 15:00
- Cool yourself off by visiting your local municipal swimming pools which have lifeguards on site.
Also read: Heatwave conditions will persist throughout the weekend
Tips to survive the heat:
- Avoid direct sunlight by wearing a hat and sunscreen
- Do not leave children or pets in parked locked vehicles
- Stay in or under 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.
Mulaudzi added the hot, dry and windy weather also presented the threat of veld fires and people were discouraged from throwing burning cigarette butts in dry grass or leaving open fires unmonitored.
“Stay safe and drink water during this heatwave. For any life-threatening emergencies immediately call our Emergency Services Call Centre on 011 375 5911.”
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