Intently hot temperatures continue into the weekend. The South African Weather Service (SAWS) has issued a warning for multiple locations around the Western Cape and South Africa. Temperatures are expected to soar between lows of up to 23°C and highs reaching up to 35°C.
The SAWS has issued warnings for the following locations:
- Cape Town City
- Prince Albert
- Witzenberg
- Ceres
- Oudtshoorn
- Stellenbosch
- Breede Valley
- Worcester
- Drakenstein
- Paarl
- Langeberg
- Robertson
- Kannaland
- Ladismith
- Laingsburg
“In an extremely hot environment, the most serious health and safety concern is heat stroke. Heat stroke can be fatal if medical attention is not available immediately.”
ER24 has shared some valuable information on heat injuries, which often occur when our bodies lose necessary body fluids when producing sweat. These injuries can be severe and if untreated.
The signs and symptoms of heat injuries are:
- Cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Fainting
- Seizures
Here are a few tips to beat the heat:
- Stay well hydrated by drinking a lot of water.
- Keep a close eye on babies, the elderly and children. Ensure they stay well hydrated as well.
- Remember to ensure pets have a cool place to relax and cool clean water to drink as well.
- Try to keep out of direct sunlight.
- Wear the appropriate clothing and ensure you use sunscreen.
- Limit participation in outdoor activities. If you plan on participating in outdoor activities, ensure you rest and keep well hydrated.
- If you are going to spend time in a pool, ensure your safety and that of children around you.
- Ensure that they are supervised while around and in the pool.
- Do not leave children and pets in a vehicle even with a window open.
ER24 can be contacted on 084 124 for any medical emergency.
Animals can also suffer heat distress:——
Heat exhaustion in dogs and cats (and other animals and pets) can lead to serious and potentially fatal conditions such as heat stroke and cardiac arrest.
Excessive panting is the first symptom.A dangerously overheated dog, according to the American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, may collapse or experience convulsions, exhibit vomiting or diarrhoea, and may also have gums or a tongue that turn blue or bright red.
The Humane Society of the United States adds that signs of potential heat stroke include glazed eyes, excessive drooling, a rapid heart rate, dizziness or lack of coordination, fever, lethargy, and loss of consciousness.
The Cape of Good Hope SPCA adds:
- Apply pet friendly sunscreen to their sensitive noses and the tips of their ears (zinc oxide based treatments intended for humans are toxic to pets).
- Dogs die in hot cars! If you love them, leave them at home. Report dogs in hot cars by calling 0217004158/9 or 0833261604 (a/h)
- Avoid hot surfaces, hot pavements, tar roads and hot beach sand can damage your pets sensitive paw pads. The rule is simple, if a surface is too hot for your barefoot, it’s too hot for your pets.
- Don’t exercise during the heat of the day.
- Make sure your pet has access to a shaded, ventilated area and plenty of fresh drinking water.
- Keep a close eye on short nosed dog breeds who do not pant effectively and are more susceptible to heat stroke.
- Excessive or exaggerated panting, lethargy, weakness, drooling, high fever, dark red gums, rapid heartbeat, unresponsiveness to surroundings and vomiting are all signs of heatstroke, please seek veterinary assistance immediately.
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