Heat wave forecasted for Gauteng

Krugersdorp residents can brace themselves for a very hot day after the South African Weather Services (SAWS) today, 16 January issued an alert for extreme temperatures across the Gauteng area.

Puseletso Mofokeng, SAWS forecaster says that during a heat wave the prevailing temperatures are at least five degrees higher than the temperatures expected for a particular time of the year and that those conditions last for more than three days.

ER24 provides the following safety tips:

What should you do during a heat wave?

• Do not leave your children or pets alone in closed vehicles or confined areas.

• Ensure that you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.

• Try to eat small meals and eat more often.

• Try and postpone outdoor activities.

• If you work outdoors, ensure that you take care of yourself by moving out of the sun into the shade more often than usual, and stay hydrated.

• Do not take part in strenuous outdoor activities without a second person present to relieve you or call for help, should something happen.

• Keep an eye out for elderly people who live alone or are not able to move around easily as they might need assistance.

What are the caution signs?

Numerous signs and symptoms may present themselves during heat exhaustion. Some of them include dizziness, vomiting, muscle cramps, headaches, flushed skin and excessive sweating.

How can you help?

• Remove the person from the area and call for assistance.

• Try and cool the person down gradually with a wet cloth or alike

• Remove any tight multi-layer clothing.

• If the person is unconscious, turn him or her on their side.

• If the person has no altered level of consciousness, give him/her small amounts of water to drink.

• Call for assistance.