Weekend heat wave for Mangaung, tips for staying cool, alive

Mangaung, the scene of ANC centenary celebrations in the Free State, could experience a heat wave over the weekend.

Puseletso Mofokeng, a senior forecaster at the SA Weather Service, on Wednesday advised the organisers at the African National Congress' centenary celebrations to make sure water was in plentiful supply for people attending.

"We are expecting temperatures of between 33 and 38 degrees around Bloemfontein, the south-west parts of North West, the west of the Free State and the eastern parts of the Northern Cape," he said.

A lack of cloud cover over this region would contribute to temperatures rising.

The main event of the centenary celebrations was scheduled to start on Friday. On Saturday cultural events are planned to be held at the Mangaung outdoor sports grounds. On Sunday party leader President Jacob Zuma, was scheduled to deliver the annual January 8 speech.

Paramedics ER24 warned the public to prevent heat exhaustion, spokesman Andre Visser said.

"It is especially during extreme heat conditions that paramedics are called out to various incidents relating to excessive heat or exhaustion."

Tips include:

-- stay well hydrated and stay out of the direct sun in the middle of the day;

-- wear appropriate clothing and sun cream when outside;

-- have adequate resting sessions and keep hydrated at all times when partaking in outdoor activities;

-- avoid excessive consumption of alcohol;

-- ensure adequate adult supervision around swimming children;

-- ensure that babies and elderly people are monitored. They are the most vulnerable to heat stroke due to inadequate thermal regulation systems;

-- do not leave children or animals in vehicles, even if the windows are open; and

-- ensure pets have cool places to rest and enough clean water.

- Times Live