Spring is upon us and Summer isn’t Far Behind!
Spring is almost upon us, meaning longer days and more sun. It also means the start of dehydration and fatigue.
Too much exposure to heat may lead to heat stroke, may negatively affect crops and animals.
The City encourages residents to use water wisely to keep cool and hydrated, and to limit activities such watering gardens with fresh tap water and backwashing swimming pools.
Other practices like washing outdoor areas and cars with hosepipes, taking baths and long showers are also discouraged. Reducing the number of times you flush the toilet, wash the dishes and do laundry contributes towards saving water.
Heat Safety Tips
- Stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking water; don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol which cause you to lose water more rapidly.
- Take frequent breaks in the shade, indoors in an air conditioned space.
- Wear loose fitting, lightly coloured and lightweight clothes.
- Minimise use of heat-generating appliances like stoves or ovens.
- Do not exercise outdoors. If you must exercise outdoors, only do so in the early morning hours, before 8am.
- Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
- Check the local news and other outlets for important safety information.
When overheating does occur, it’s important to recognise the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. The four stages of heat-related illness are heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
