How to prepare for the heatwave in Gauteng this coming week (animals included)

by Tyler Leigh Vivier@tylerleighv 160 0
heatwave

Johannesburg and Pretoria are in for one heck of a hot few days as a heatwave swelters in and causes things to boil over a little.

 

It is getting hot in here! So take note of a few tips that will help out with the blazing heat during the heatwave. Summer is hitting South Africa hard which is both exciting and terrifying! With drought raging in parts of South Africa, we need to stay mindful while staying cool.

Here are three categories of advise that can be used during this heatwave and all hot days to follow.

Sorting yourself and your family out.

  • Freeze bottled water which will melt and stay cool for longer.
  • Take extra water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
  • Apply lots of sunblock, especially on children playing on school grounds.
  • Send children to school with hats and in cooler clothing.
  • Opt out of sporting activities that take place outside

Helping others out.

  • Keep cool water in the car and hand out to people on the roadside where it is hotter due to black tar.
  • Old hats and umbrellas are also helpful to hand out.
  • If you have domestic staff, offer them lifts to their transportation areas as walking will be near unbareble.

Helping animals out.

  • Keep lots of water on hand for your animals.
  • Provide a cool, shaded area for animals to escape the heat.
  • If applicable, have your animals shaved down to a summer cut.
  • Place water out for birds and other wildlife to cool off in.
  • Freeze large ice blocks of unsweetened Rooibos tea as a treat for your dogs.

If you see anyone or animal in distress, use the emergency numbers below to contact help.

Helpful Emergency Numbers (SA)

  • Nationwide Emergency Response – 10111. This number will take you to a call centre which will assist with any emergency at hand and direct the appropriate response team. This number is free from landlines but regular rates are charged from cellphones.
  • Cellphone Emergency Number – 112. This number will direct you to an automated menu which you then select your required need. This number allows cellphones without airtime to get assistance.
  • Ambulance Response – 10177. This will help in medical emergencies. When making the call, state the emergency plus details of the person(s) injured, exact location (include any landmarks) and your personal details as clearly as possible. This number is also the same for the Fire Brigade.
  • SPCA  Sandton – 011 444 7730. This number will direct you to the Sandton SPCA but there is an SPCA in most large suburbs. Should an animal need assistance, call your local SPCA by Googling the information.

Please be mindful of water usage during the heatwave. Avoid excessive watering, don’t water the garden during daylight hours.

Sources: Twitter
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About the Author

Tyler Leigh Vivier is a writer for Good Things Guy.

Her passion is to spread good news across South Africa with a big focus on environmental issues, animal welfare and social upliftment. Outside of Good Things Guy, she is an avid reader and lover of tea.

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