Ekurhuleni DEMS issues safety guidelines ahead of Local Government Elections
With South Africans heading to the polls tomorrow for the Local Government Elections, the Disaster and Emergency Services Management Department (DEMS) in the City of Ekurhuleni has issued safety guidelines to caution voters against potential weather-related risks, particularly extreme heat and dehydration.
The department has shared important safety tips for all voters before leaving home, including checking the weather forecast and official warnings, wearing a hat, comfortable lightweight clothing and sunscreen, carrying an umbrella for shade or unexpected rain, packing enough drinking water, food and essential medication, and planning transport to avoid unnecessary delays.
Stay safe at the voting station
While at the voting station, voters are advised to drink water regularly even when not thirsty, stay in shaded areas and take breaks when necessary, avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, follow instructions from election officials and emergency personnel, and look out for vulnerable voters and report anyone feeling unwell.
The department also issued safety guidelines for voters with specific health and accessibility needs, urging extra care for persons with disabilities, pregnant women, older persons and individuals living with medical conditions as they may be more susceptible to heat-related health risks.
Persons with disabilities are encouraged to arrange suitable transport and assistance, request accessible facilities and reasonable assistance from election officials and ensure their waiting area is safe, accessible and shaded.
Care for vulnerable voters
Older persons should carry water and essential medication, avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, arrange transport where necessary and inform officials if they feel unwell.
Pregnant women should carry sufficient drinking water, avoid prolonged standing in direct sunlight, take regular breaks in shaded areas and seek medical assistance if they feel dizzy, faint or unusually weak.
People with chronic illnesses should take prescribed medication as directed, follow their healthcare provider’s advice on hydration and heat exposure, and seek assistance if they feel unwell while waiting to vote.
DEMS also highlighted the importance of knowing the warning signs of dehydration and heat illness, including excessive thirst and dry mouth, headaches or dizziness, unusual tiredness or weakness, dark-coloured urine or passing urine less often, and nausea or muscle cramps.
If symptoms occur, voters are advised to move to a cool, shaded area, rest and loosen tight clothing, sip water if fully alert and able to swallow safely, and seek medical assistance if symptoms persist or worsen.
Confusion, collapse, seizures or loss of consciousness are serious warning signs that require calling emergency services immediately.
Emergency contacts
The department further reminded the community that safety is everyone’s responsibility, urging residents to share verified weather warnings, check on older persons and persons with disabilities and neighbours who may need assistance, report medical emergencies without delay, use water responsibly and follow official weather alerts.
For emergencies, residents can contact the City of Ekurhuleni Disaster and Emergency Management Services on 011 458 0911.
You can also call the emergency number 112 and Gauteng Ambulance Services on 011 564 2000.
