Cold front to hit West Rand tomorrow
EMS concerned about weather warning.
Due to the cold front hitting Gauteng, including Roodepoort tomorrow, temperatures in Roodepoort will be a low of 6° and a high of 17°.
Emergency Management Services (EMS) has noted with concern the warnings from the South African Weather Service that most parts of Gauteng, including the City of Johannesburg will experience a significant drop in temperatures and wet conditions tomorrow. The cold front is currently moving through the Western Cape, where a sprinkling of snow is expected in high-lying areas.
This significant drop in temperatures means that some people will use additional heating and lighting appliances. These appliances need to be used safely.
Read more: False weather warnings can land you in seriously hot water
The City of Johannesburg EMS will remain on high alert to respond to any emergency. The main focus will be on the 189 informal settlements throughout the city since they are the most vulnerable to fires.
The City of Johannesburg Disaster Management Centre will be fully operational throughout the weekend and Disaster Management Monitoring teams have been dispatched to all seven regions of the city to monitor any eventuality and also to facilitate evacuation whenever there is a need to do so.
The City urges all those in formal residential areas not to leave heaters unattended while in use to prevent fires.
Here are some of the safety tips:
Candles:
1. Keep candles away from children
2. A child should not be left unattended in a room with a candle.
3. Store candles, matches and lighters out of reach of children.
4. A candle should not be used to light stoves.
5. A candle should not be used in a confined space.
Braizers or imbaulas:
Use it in a well-ventilated area to prevent carbon-monoxide inhalation. Take it outside before going to bed.
Paraffin:
1. Put a paraffin stove on a flat surface where it cannot fall or be knocked over.
2. Use safe containers to store paraffin, such as in bottles with safety caps.
Before going to bed or going out:
1. Put out all candles and paraffin lamps.
2. Switch off heaters and stoves at the plug.
3. Always put out cigarettes carefully. Do not smoke in bed.
For any life-threatening emergencies, call 10177 on a Telkom landline, or 112 or 011 375 5911 on a cellphone.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at roodepoortrecord@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 955 1130.
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