Duduza – The DEMS and its co-partner, the Gauteng Provincial Disaster Management Centre (PDMC), recently held a summer safety awareness campaign at the taxi rank at the intersection of Mandela Street and Sam Smith Road in Duduza.

The focus was on heatwaves, thunderstorms and flooding. DEMS spokesperson William Ntladi described a heatwave as extreme heat over a specified period of abnormally hot weather, a natural disaster that lasts for several consecutive days.

“It is perhaps the most underrated natural hazard, which might result in death among humans, animals and plants. It can run concurrently with drought. Drought can cause the summer rainy season to become a fire season due to dry vegetation.

“Limited amounts of water, or no water at all, for human and animal consumption and crop irrigation, can fuel fires,” explained Ntladi.

He said people become susceptible to heat stress, heat stroke (hyperthermia) and heat exhaustion and that the body absorbs more heat than it can dispel.

“There is no equilibrium between the two. These heatwaves are caused by large, slow-moving high-pressure systems that trap warm air, preventing cooler air and clouds from moving in, leading to prolonged periods of extreme heat, intensified by clear skies allowing more sun exposure and worsened by dry soil,” he added.

Here are some of the signs of heat-related illnesses explained
• Excessive sweating;
• Raised temperature;
• Dizziness with possible fainting;
• Lethargy;
• Reduced appetite;
• Thirst;
• Twitching or painful muscle cramps in the arms, legs or abdomen.

Precautionary measures:
• Drink plenty of still water, even during outdoor activities, especially on hot days;
• Avoid carbonated water, cooldrinks and alcohol;
• Avoid high-protein foods (meat and dairy products), which increase body heat and fluid loss;
• Avoid direct sunlight; wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen;
• If you do not have an air-conditioner, use fans, damp clothes and have frequent cool showers;
• Do not leave children or pets alone in a locked, parked vehicle.

In case of fire-brigade life-threatening emergencies, call 011 458 0911.