Residents of Ekurhuleni are currently experiencing freezing temperatures that are dropping by the day.
According to the South African Weather Services (SAWS), the cold temperatures will persist throughout the weekend.
DEMS is closely monitoring the reports that have been issued by SAWS. Accordingly, residents of the metro are advised to take precautionary measures against the cold.
District media liaison manager of DEMS William Ntladi said they are concerned about the sporadic fires that are started by people in their quest to keep warm.
Some of the man-made fires escalate out of control, endangering many lives and property.
“Just over the weekend, our teams responded to several fire-related incidents whereby lives and properties were lost,” said Ntladi.
“To protect yourself in extremely cold weather conditions, wear appropriate clothing, travel with caution and be alert for the symptoms of cold exposure.”
He said we should monitor family members and those close to you who are at greatest risk from exposure, such as senior citizens, children and people with underlying illnesses or chronic diseases.
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Winter condition:
June and July are generally the coldest months in the country. The winter season is characterised by wet and strong windy conditions.
In such conditions, staying warm and safe can be a challenging factor. Such conditions can bring subzero temperatures, leading to frozen water from the taps and bursting water pipeline systems. Strong wind can blow the roof off and entire structures away.
Power failures are rife in winter, owing to the high demand for electricity by people in their quest to keep warm.
The absence of electricity might lead to the usage of alternative energy sources to keep safe and warm.
• Do not panic, take decisive action by maintaining a heated environment inside your home.
• Be aware that whatever space heaters can be used, either gas, paraffin, electric heaters, can be a fire risk. Better heaters are those with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Follow the manufacturer’s safety usage guidelines.
• Do not use a heated oven or any makeshift heating sources to warm your home.
• Braziers (mbaulas) are extremely dangerous when used indoors. They produce carbon monoxide and hydrogen cyanide, which are deadly silent killers. Use them outdoors.
• When exposed to the cold weather outside, wear layers of warm, dry clothing, including head covering and gloves if possible.
• Remove any wet clothing promptly.
• Drink warm fluids, such as hot chocolate or soup. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, which cause the body to lose heat more rapidly.
• Remember to take chronic medication and in case you notice any changes in medical conditions, consult your doctor immediately.
• Maintain good nutrition and get plenty of rest.
• Keep animals or pets safe by moving them indoors or provide adequate shelter to keep them warm. Make sure they have access to unfrozen water.
• When travelling, take with you warm clothing, ensure that road conditions fit the type of vehicle to be used.
• When leaving home, ensure that all heat sources are switched off if not monitored.
• Do not leave children alone next to the heating sources. Remember, matches and lighters are not toys. Keep them away from the reach of children.
• Do not smoke in bed. The possibilities of falling asleep are high with a lit cigarette in your hands and bedding can catch fire. Lives can be lost.
• Motorists, please do not throw lit cigarette buds out of the window, it might cause veld fire or set other vehicles alight after you have passed. Veld fire produces heavy-dense smoke, which can obscure other motorists’ vision, leading to fatal crashes.
In case of life-threatening emergencies, residents are encouraged to call the Life-Threatening Emergency Call Centre for the attention of emergency services and disaster management interventions.
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Emergency numbers:
• Life-Threatening Ekurhuleni Emergency Line: 011 458 0911
• National toll-free number: 10177
• Cellphone: 112.
