Gauteng PG.jpg Gauteng Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, 8 January 2016 MEC Jacob Mamabolo urges water saving during current heatwave 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 43oC 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. Treatment 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: Heat stroke (Hyperthermia) Heat exhaustion Unusual discomfort and heat cramps . Confusion, headaches, nausea, dizziness. . Skin flushed and unusually dry. . Dry swollen tongue, high blood temperature (40C). . Rapid strong pulse at first then weaker. . Deep unconsciousness may develop rapidly. 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. . Profuse sweating. Cold clammy, pale skin. . Fatigue, weakness and restlessness. . Headaches and vomiting. . Weak but rapid pulse. . Poor co-ordination. . Normal temperature but faintness. 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. . Heavy sweating, tired and thirsty. . Irritability, loss of appetite. . Prickly heat rash, nausea. . Muscle spasms/twitching, moist cool skin. . Painful muscle cramps (limbs and abdomen). 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 Province: Gauteng Issued by: Gauteng Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs From: <http://www.gov.za/speeches/mec-jacob-mamabolo-urges-water-saving-during-cur rent-heatwave-8-jan-2016-0000> http://www.gov.za/speeches/mec-jacob-mamabolo-urges-water-saving-during-curr ent-heatwave-8-jan-2016-0000 -- -- You are subscribed. This footer can help you. Please POST your comments to [email protected] or reply to this message. You can visit the group WEB SITE at http://groups.google.com/group/yclsa-eom-forum for different delivery options, pages, files and membership. To UNSUBSCRIBE, please email [email protected] . You don't have to put anything in the "Subject:" field. You don't have to put anything in the message part. All you have to do is to send an e-mail to this address (repeat): [email protected] . --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "YCLSA Discussion Forum" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to [email protected]. For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout.
