As part of the Gauteng Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs campaign of #Savewater, MEC Mamabolo is advising the communities to take extra care during the heat wave which is affecting the Province and urges the importance of saving water during this period.
“We are still under pressure to preserve water as our water resources are still low because of the dry season and unavailability of rain. During extreme heat water consumption sharply increases and we are making a call to our people to be mindful of water usage and to use water very sparingly”, said MEC Mamabolo
Community heat wave information
With the anticipated extreme temperatures reaching the maximum on 430C on the 07 and 08 January 2016 affecting the whole Province as issued by the South African Weather Service, CoGTA is disseminating information to alert the communities on action guide regarding the heat wave protection.
Action guide: Heat wave protection
Heat wave is a natural hazard that can cause extensive damage to infrastructure (such as roads, electrical equipment, etc.), livestock/crop and heat stress (hyperthermia) on humans that can lead to possible stress and death.
Tratment for heat stress
- Wear lightweight, light-coloured, loose, porous natural fibre clothing and avoid strenuous activities.
- Drink 2 to 3 litres of water per day, even if not thirsty.
- Avoid alcoholic, caffeinated or carbonated (soft) drinks.
- Don’t take salt tablets - unless prescribed by a medical practitioner.
- Keep your home cool with curtains, shutters, or awnings on the sunny side and open windows at night.
- If you don’t have air conditioning, use fans, shades, damp clothing and have a cool showers.
- Avoid direct sunlight. Wear a hat and sunscreen products as sunburn lights may affect sight ability.
- Don’t leave children or pets in parked vehicles.
- If you suffer from chronic illness or feel ill, seek medical attention.
- Keep domestic animals and pets under the shade with plenty of water.
Signs to look for
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Heat stroke (Hyperthermia) |
Heat exhaustion |
Unusual discomfort and heat cramps |
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Seek urgent medical assistance. In the meantime lay the victim in a cool place and remove outer clothing. If unconscious, check airway and breathing. Cool victim quickly applying cold water or wrap in a wet sheet and fan them (keep wet). When conscious give sips of water. |
Seek urgent medical assistance. Lay victim down in a cool place. Loosen clothing and apply wet cloths to heart and body. Fan or move victim to an air conditioned area. Give sips of cold water. If vomiting continues, seek medical assistance immediately. |
Drink more water. Have a cold shower/bath. Lie in a cool place with legs supported and slightly elevated. Massage muscles gently to ease spasms, or if cramped, then apply ice packs and drink glucose (eg cordial). Don’t have salt. |
Seek urgent medical assistance. In the meantime lay the victim in a cool place and remove outer clothing. If unconscious, check airway and breathing. Cool victim quickly applying cold water or wrap in a wet sheet and fan them (keep wet). When conscious give sips of water. Seek urgent medical assistance. Lay victim down in a cool place. Loosen clothing and apply wet cloths to heart and body. Fan or move victim to an air conditioned area. Give sips of cold water. If vomiting continues, seek medical assistance immediately. Drink more water. Have a cold shower/bath. Lie in a cool place with legs supported and slightly elevated. Massage muscles gently to ease spasms, or if cramped, then apply ice packs and drink glucose (eg cordial). Don’t have salt.
For further information contact:
Motsamai Motlhaolwa
Cell: 079 897 2240
Elias Sithole
Cell: 082 490 9825
