AfriForum warns against heat wave: Tips on safety during extreme heat

AfriForum has compiled a guide with tips on how people can prepare themselves to stay safe when extreme heat strikes. A heat wave is predicted for the northern part of the country, which is now in a dry season. The provinces that can expect the highest temperatures are the Free State, North West, Gauteng, Mpumalanga and KwaZulu-Natal. The high temperatures can exceed the average temperature of the hottest month by 5°C for three days and longer. This heat wave also increases the risks for wildfires with conditions that are also favorable for runaway wildfires.

AfriForum’s guide includes, among other things, information on precautions before a heat wave as well as safety tips during and after a heat wave.

“During a heat wave, it is especially important that precautions are taken for the elderly, children and pets such as taking in enough fluids and staying out of the sun. Because the fire danger is also high, communities must be equipped with fire-fighting equipment and contingency plans should a fire break out,” says Tarien Cooks, Disaster Management Specialist for AfriForum.

According to AfriForum, it is important to know what to do during a heat wave and to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat cramps, heat exhaustion or sunstroke and to get the necessary help early on.