WESTERN CAPE | KAROO NEWS - A severe weather alert has been issued by the Cape Town Weather Office.
Extreme heat is expected over northern parts of the Western Cape today (Tuesday) and over the Central and Little Karoo tomorrow (Wednesday).
Whenever there are prolonged periods of little or no rain coupled with warm dry winds, veld or bush fires can easily be sparked and will spread rapidly in strong winds.
Precautions: Dangerous veld/bush fire conditions
- Don’t make fires in the open and/or leave fires unattended.
- Don’t throw cigarette butts out of cars or in the open veld.
- Don’t throw bottles in the veld as they can magnify the sun’s rays and start fires.
- Prepare and maintain fire breaks in a controlled manner. In the case of a large fire report it immediately and move away from the area to let the professionals deal with it.
- Never throw water onto a fire started by an electrical fault or fires started by oil or paraffin lamps. In this case sand or a blanket should be used to smother the fire.
Listen to the radio or TV for warnings and obey the instructions from disaster management officers.
Description: Extremely high temperatures
When temperature and the humidity is high at the same time or when the temperature exceeds a certain threshold, humans' ability to cool their bodies through sweating is reduced.
This can be a real threat that leads to hyperthermia.
Precautions: Extremely high temperatures
Stay indoors in a cool room near a fan if possible. The old and infirm must take extra care to stay hydrated and cool. Avoid strenuous outdoor activity, playing excessive sport and hard labour.
Dress in light weight clothes and drink plenty of liquids, not alcohol.
No strenuous outdoor activity is advised.
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