City of Cape Town Heat Wave/ fire Warning
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CITY OF CAPE TOWN
MEDIA RELEASE
28 FEBRUARY 2011
City warns Capetonians and visitors of heat wave conditions
The City of Cape Town appeals to the public to exercise caution, after the South African Weather Services issued a warning of high temperatures and strong south-easterly winds that are conducive to runaway veld fires.
Temperatures of up to 37° Celsius have been forecast for today and high temperatures will persists for the remainder of the week.
The public are reminded to drink sufficient water; try to stay in a cool place; and to cover their heads when going out.
Tourists visiting Cape Town who are not acclimatised to the heat are asked to take extra precautions. They could suffer from swelling of the ankles, inflammation of the skin, sharp pains due to loss of water, dizziness, nausea, diarrhoea and fainting.
The City’s Disaster Risk Management Centre is offering the following tips during the heat wave conditions:
- Wear sunglasses – choose sunglasses that offer at least 95% UV protection with a lens tint that blocks 80% of transmissible light.
- Wear UV blocking contact lenses alongside sunglasses – UV contact lenses can help protect against the transmission of harmful UV rays to the cornea and inner eye.
- Use sunscreen on all exposed areas. Feet should also be included if you are bare-foot or wearing sandals or flip-flops. A sun protection factor (SPF) of 45+ is recommended. Always re-apply after leaving the water as the sun screen may have washed off.
- Wear protective clothing, including hats, and use large umbrellas to keep out of the sun. Long-sleeved cotton shirts are excellent for outdoor sports such as hiking and cycling.
- Reduce time spent in the sun between 10:00 and 15:00. In extremely hot weather conditions it is advisable to stay indoors during this time of the day if possible.
- Do not lie in the sun purposefully seeking a tan. If you want to tan, do it gradually and sensibly, with short exposure and a build up over time.
- Pay close attention to any medications (including herbal remedies) because many of them have side-effects which include sun sensitivity.
- Drink plenty of water. Water is the best liquid for hydration during a heat wave.
- Never leave children unattended, especially outside.
- Never leave children or pets unattended in motor vehicles.
- Take care of animals and pets – they should not be directly exposed to the sun.
- Be aware of the dangers of heat exhaustion.
- Stay indoors in the coolest room of your home as much as possible and splash your face with cold water to cool down.
- Keep rooms cool by using shade cloth or reflective material on the outside of the window.
- If it is safe to do so, open windows at night when the air is cooler.
- Cyclists are encouraged not to cycle as they can sustain heat-stroke and cardiac problems.
For up-to-date weather reports listen to alerts on the radio and television, or visit www.weathersa.co.za, or call the weatherline at 082 162.
The City appeals to the public to refrain from throwing cigarette butts out of motor vehicle windows. This is often the cause of runaway fires, especially in hot and windy conditions.
Fires for cooking should not be made unless they can be controlled. No fires are allowed on the mountain fringe areas except in pre-authorised and specifically demarcated areas. If you are unsure whether fires are allowed in an area, do not make a fire there.
Any emergency and/or distress call can be reported to the 107 emergency hotline from a Telkom line while cellphone users need to dial 021 480 7700. The sooner you phone, the sooner help will arrive.
End
Issued by: Communication Department, City of Cape Town
Media enquiries: Wilfred Solomons-Johannes, Head: Systems Integration & Special Projects, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town, Tel: 080 911 4357 or Cell: 084 711 7709
Charlotte Powell, Head: Public Awareness & Preparedness, Disaster Risk Management Centre, City of Cape Town, Tel: 080 911 4357 or Cell: 084 711 7710