Stay safe this summer with these expert tips

Summer holidays should be a time for joy and relaxation, but there is the potential for danger. Netcare 911 and the City of Johannesburg’s Emergency Management Services (EMS) have these important safety tips to ensure a safe summer.

“Water, fire, and the sun can be the elements of perfect summer days, or a recipe for disaster depending on how prepared we are for the potential risks,” said Netcare 911 spokesperson Sarah Kekana.

Fire safety
“Spending time around a fire and outdoor cooking are characteristically South African and especially popular this time of year. Some basic precautions are necessary to keep everyone safe and prevent burns,” said Kekana.

• Make your fire safely away from anything flammable, including dry grass or leaves, overhanging trees, buildings, or roofing.
• Keep wood, charcoal, and firelighters well away from the fire – A spark can ignite materials metres away.
• Keep a bucket of water and a fire extinguisher ready.
• Do not use liquid fire starters.
• Remove any trip hazards around the fireplace.
• Keep children and pets at a safe distance.
• Do not wear flammable clothing when tending to a fire.
• Be aware that hot grills can cause burns, so store them safely once removed from the fire.
• Never leave a fire unsupervised, always extinguish it when you have finished.

Hot weather
EMS media liaison officer Robert Mulaudzi warns of the dangers of unusually hot days. “We advise residents to keep indoors, if possible, drink lots of liquids to prevent dehydration, and wear light clothing. Exposure to extremely hot temperatures can lead to heat cramps, exhaustion, or heat stroke.”

Mulaudzi has also advised residents to take heed of heatwave safety tips.

• Sunburn is an ever-present danger. Parents must regularly apply sunscreen which is a high-protection factor for their children.

• Outdoor activities should be avoided during the hottest part of the day.

• Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

• Senior citizens are more vulnerable to heat exhaustion and heatstroke, so take special care to ensure that they are kept cool and well-hydrated.

• Antihistamines, diuretics, and alcohol should be avoided if spending time in the sun.

• Never leave your child or anyone – including a pet – in a parked car, even for short periods.

Water safety
“The risk of drowning tragically increases with hot weather, and drowning can occur anywhere. It is important to constantly assess any potential risks around water, particularly where children are concerned,” Kekana said.

• Never swim alone.

• Never swim in the swimming pool, sea, dams, or rivers at night.

• Don’t swim under the influence of alcohol or other intoxicants.

• When near water, children must always be supervised by a responsible adult who is not distracted.

• Ensure children do not have access to pools, ponds, water features, baths, or even a bucket of water or an open toilet – Young children can drown in just 4cm of water.

• Ensure your swimming pool is covered with a pool net or enclosed with a SABS-approved fence to prevent children from accidentally falling into the water.

• At the beach, only swim in designated areas with lifeguards and don’t swim far out.

• Remember, swimming in the sea is very different from swimming in a pool or dam, even for experienced swimmers.

• Do not dive into any body of water if you cannot see what is below the surface, and always be sure to test the depth-first.

Who to call?
“Make a list of emergency contact numbers, including emergency medical services, and stick it on the fridge or anywhere that will be quick to find when needed. Keep the numbers saved on all cellphones and a visible card near landline telephones,” Kekana said.

• City of Johannesburg Emergency Connect – 011 37 55 911
• Nationwide Emergency Response – 10111
• Netcare 911 – 082 911