| Beat the heat | Beat the heat | | <img alt="" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/PublishingImages/beat-the-heart-web-banner.png" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | <div class="ExternalClass887C1408DE7E4FB48C5F0609B4612D42">
<blockquote class="pull right" style="text-transform:none;">
<small>Let’s be safe and beat the heat this summer.</small></blockquote><p>Cape Town is known for its beautiful, warm summers, but it is also no stranger to extreme temperatures and heat waves. </p><p>Understanding how heat impacts you and your family is an important part of building household and individual resilience during extreme heat events. Follow our tips to ensure that you are ready, able to respond, and informed about how to stay safe and healthy in extreme heat. </p></div> | <span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">What is a heat wave and high heat day in Cape Town?</h2></span>
<p>Extreme heat and heat waves are described by the World Health Organisation as silent emergencies that are among the most dangerous of natural hazards, due to their impact on health and potential to lead to the disruption of critical services and damage to infrastructure.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/extreme-heat-800-500.png" alt="" /></figure>
<p>The South African Weather Service (SAWS) defines a heat wave as three or more consecutive days where the maximum temperature meets or exceeds 5°C above the average maximum temperature of the hottest month for a particular place. In Cape Town, this threshold is 32°C or higher. A high heat day is when the maximum temperature meets or exceeds 35°C. Heat waves are weather events that cause prolonged and/or intense periods of high temperatures with added intensity if there is little to no wind.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Heat_Mapping_Project.png" alt="" /> </figure></span>
<p>
<em>Results from a
<a href="https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/35fd2bf7e70c448ab0a58245d2f2cd0b" target="_blank">World Bank Heat Mapping Project<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> conducted over a 200 km² area of Cape Town</em></p><p> The City has developed a High Heat Day and Heat Wave Action Plan (Heat Action Plan) to guide our response to extreme heat and ensure public health and safety. The plan is categorised into three main components:</p><ul><li>Heat Readiness </li><li>Heat Response </li><li>Knowledge Management and Research</li></ul><div class="responsive-media"><div class="ms-rteIframePlaceholder" id="hold0" style="width:300px;height:150px;"></div> </div><p>
<em><strong>Amy Davison, the City’s Head of Climate Change, spoke at the Resilient Cities Network’s Urban Heat:</strong> Cities Taking Action series in 2022, sharing more about what we are doing to address heat in our city.</em></p>
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<h2 class="sectHeading">Stay informed and be prepared</h2></span>
<p>SAWS
<a href="https://www.weathersa.co.za/home/warnings" target="_blank">publishes heat advisories<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> to inform the public about extreme heat conditions approaching. Follow their social media platforms or download the Weather Smart App from the
<a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=za.co.afrigis.WeatherSmart&hl=en_ZA" target="_blank">Google Play Store<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> or
<a href="https://apps.apple.com/za/app/weathersmart/id1045032640" target="_blank">Apple App Store<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> to stay informed. </p><p>Although there are many weather forecast websites and apps available, SAWS is the only authorised provider of weather forecasts in South Africa and has the most accurate and up to date information. </p><h4>Be prepared</h4><ul><li>Stay informed by regularly checking weather updates online and follow news updates on TV and radio. </li><li>Ensure that you read and understand the contents of the City’s
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/3.1_Heatwave_Leaflet_ENGL%20-%20FINAL.pdf" target="_blank">Heat Wave Leaflet</a>. </li><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/Visitor-safety/Emergencies/Firstaid-and-emergencies">Learn emergency skills</a> such as first aid and CPR to recognise and how to respond to heat illness. </li><li>Put together an emergency kit to ensure that you are prepared in the case of power and water outages:
<br>Make sure you have backup batteries and chargers for your devices, handheld or desk fans.
<br>Set aside at least four to five litres of drinking water per person per day (remember to cater for animals too) and make sure this is stored in clean containers in a cool, dark place.</li></ul>
<span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Stay cool and hydrated</h2></span>
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<small>Seek shade, keep hydrated, look after pets and vulnerable people, use sunscreen and protective clothing.</small> </blockquote><ul><li>Stay hydrated and carry enough water when away from home or the office. Consider adding drinks containing electrolytes or sachets of electrolyte drink power or oral rehydration solution, or
<a href="https://blog.bonsecours.com/healthy/hydrating-summer-drink-recipes/" target="_blank">follow these recipes<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> to make healthy hydrating drinks at home. Grow and add mint to your water as mint leaves have hydrating qualities. </li><li> Those who are physically active (sports, manual labour) during hot days should carry electrolyte drinks, rehydration solutions or sachets or particularly ensure access to water. </li><li>
<a href="https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/homemade-ice-pack/" target="_blank">Make your own ice pack<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> to keep yourself or water and food cold. </li><li> Use an effective sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of between 20 and 50. </li><li>Wear a hat with a wide brim that shades the face, ears and back of the neck. </li><li>Use wet wipes, ice packs, or a cold wet towel or hand towel to cool down, focussing on the back of the neck, under the arms and between upper legs </li><li> Wrap a cold wet hand towel around feet or keep them submerged in cold water. </li><li>Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, ideally in natural fibres and light colours where possible. </li><li> Carry a pocket umbrella, battery/USB operated handheld fan or
<a href="https://www.wikihow.com/Make-Paper-Fans" target="_blank">make your own hand fan<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>, and prioritise shaded walking routes. </li><li>See specific information for the
<a href="https://www.samrc.ac.za/sites/default/files/attachments/2022-08/HeatHealthElderly.pdf" target="_blank">elderly<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> and
<a href="https://www.samrc.ac.za/sites/default/files/attachments/2022-08/HeatHealthChildren.pdf" target="_blank">babies and children<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>. If you are struggling keeping children hydrated, entice them by making ice lollies or flavoured ice cubes </li><li>Make sure to check on family and friends who fall within the high risk groups and help spread heat awareness in your social, professional and family groups. If you have a chronic illness, ask your doctor to advise on specific heat related impacts and how your medication can be affected. </li></ul>
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<div class="lrg-icon-content bordered"><div class="lrg-icon lrg-check"><p>
<b>You may want to</b></p><ul><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/why-go-green/lets-act-against-climate-change">Find out how the City is tackling urban heat through its climate change response</a></li><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/departments-city-initiatives/environmental-resource-management/green-infrastructure-programme">Find out more about our Green Infrastructure Programme</a></li><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/why-go-green/smart-living">Visit our Smart Living page </a></li><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/greener-living/water-wise-in-the-home/saving-water">Visit our Saving water page for tips on how you can save water </a></li></ul></div></div></span><span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Heat-related illness symptoms and treatment</h2></span>
<blockquote class="pull" style="text-transform:none;">
<small>Get urgent medical help if you have a headache and feel faint, dizzy and confused. It might be heat stroke.</small> </blockquote>
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<div class="mobile-scroll"><br>
<table style="width:615px;height:641px;"><thead><tr><th style="width:157px;">Medical condition</th><th>Symptoms and first aid measures</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td style="width:157px;">
<strong>Heat syncope </strong>(temporary drop in blood flow to the brain due to overheating)</td><td>
<strong>Symptoms:</strong><br>Brief loss of consciousness or dizziness (common in patients with cardiovascular diseases and attributed to dehydration)
<br>
<strong>First aid measures:</strong><br>Move to a cool place (shaded or indoors).
<br>Place individual in a supine position (lying on their back with the face upward) with legs and hips elevated. </td></tr><tr><td style="width:157px;">
<strong>Heat cramps</strong></td><td>
<strong>Symptoms:</strong><br>Painful muscular spasms in the legs, arms or abdomen mainly due to dehydration.<br><strong>First aid measures:</strong><br>Stop all physical activity and move to a cool place.
<br>Stretch and massage muscles.
<br>Administer an oral rehydration solution containing electrolytes.<br><em>Medical attention should be sought if heat cramps are sustained for more than one hour. </em></td></tr><tr><td style="width:157px;">
<strong>Heat exhaustion</strong></td><td>
<strong>Symptoms:</strong><br>Intense thirst, weakness, discomfort, anxiety, dizziness, fainting, headache, hypotension (low blood pressure) and rapid shallow breathing.<br><strong>First aid measures:</strong><br>Move to a cool place and remove any excess clothing<br>Apply external cooling (cold wet sheets, cold packs, continued fanning and spraying with cold water)
<br>Place individual in a supine position with legs and hips elevated and start oral hydration<br><em>If condition worsens, treat as heat stroke and transfer to hospital.</em> </td></tr><tr><td rowspan="1" style="width:157px;"><strong>Heat stroke</strong></td><td rowspan="1">
<strong>Symptoms:</strong><br>Confusion, hot and dry skin, nausea, hypotension (low blood pressure), irregular heartbeat, and abnormally rapid and shallow breathing.<br><strong>First aid measures:<br></strong>Call emergency services immediately (<a>021 480 7700</a> from any phone or <a>107</a> from a landline), or make arrangements to take the person to a hospital. While waiting, apply the first aid measures below: <br>Move to a cool place, slightly raise feet and legs, and remove any excess or warm clothing. <br>Apply external cooling (cold packs, wet sheets on the neck, armpits and groin area, continued fanning and spraying with lukewarm water). <br>Position an unconscious individual in the recovery position and clear the airway to minimise risk of aspiration. <br><em>Recovery position: Make sure the person is face up and straighten their arms and legs. Take the arm closest to you and fold it over their chest. Life threatening and requires immediate medical attention. </em></td></tr><tr><td rowspan="1" style="width:157px;"><strong>Chronic illness</strong></td><td rowspan="1"><strong>Symptoms:</strong><br>Heat can worsen symptoms related to underlying chronic health issues such as cardiac, lung, kidney or respiratory conditions.<br><strong>First aid measures:</strong><br>Consult your doctor on how heat can impact your unique health condition or affect your medication.</td></tr></tbody></table></div></span>
<h2 class="sectHeading">Who is most impacted by heat?</h2><p>Extreme and extended periods of heat affects the body’s ability to cool itself, and therefore heat impacts all age and population groups. However, some groups are more exposed to the risks posed by heat events as a result of physiology, chronic conditions or socio-economic characteristics as highlighted in the image below. </p><p>Other health issues to take note of include preterm birth complications, new-born infections, and diarrhoeal disease which is an ongoing health concern amongst children during summer in Cape Town, preterm birth complications and new-born infections.</p>
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<img class="responsive" src="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/cityassets/Inline%20Images/Main_heat_vulnerability_factors.png" alt="" style="width:874px;" /></figure>
<p>
<strong>Mental health:</strong> Exposure to heat increases feelings of aggression and frustration, and disrupts sleep patterns that can contribute to mood fluctuations. These conditions can exacerbate existing mental health conditions like depression and anxiety, and impede decision making during a very hot day or prolonged periods of extreme heat. </p><p>Look after your
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/personal-health/mental-health/mental-health-general-information">mental health</a> by making use of the following services:</p><ul><li>Read more about
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/Mental%20Health%20Services.pdf" target="_blank">Mental Health Services </a>available at specific City clinics </li><li>South African Depression and Anxiety Group Helpline:
<em>
<a>0800 45 67 89</a></em> </li><li>Lifeline Counselling:
<em>
<a>021 461 1111</a> /
<a>021 461 1114</a></em></li></ul><p>Alternatively, check if counselling services are offered through your company, church, medical aid or insurance policies. </p><h2 class="sectHeading">Create a cool home environment</h2><ul><li>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Beat_the_Heat_Cooling_tips_for_home_and_garden.pdf" target="_blank">Cooling options for the home and garden</a></li><li>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Beat_the_Heat_Cooling_Nook_Guide.pdf" target="_blank">Setting up a cooling nook </a></li><li>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/Beat_the_Heat_Keep_Pets_Safe_Guide.pdf" target="_blank">Keep pets safe</a></li><li>
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/CCT_Top_ten_ways_to_use_water_wisely_this_summer-%20Leaflet.pdf" target="_blank">Use water wisely in summer</a> </li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Choose cool spaces</h2><p>Buildings and facilities open to the public can provide cooling relief to residents and visitors during extreme heat events. Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit one of the facilities listed below during extreme heat events if they are able to. </p><h4>Things to keep in mind:</h4><ul><li>An increase in visitor numbers is expected at recreational facilities during extreme heat days. Ensure that you are familiar with the City’s
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/C6676_DRM_3.2_Beach_Safety_Eng_Final.pdf" target="_blank">water safety guidelines </a>and pay extra attention to children. </li><li> Follow the City’s social media platforms (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/cityofct?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3hC7dPXYQpPSzhmeDbQVt_MRCNe-YM6NMnv1XonUk2SfaGycF9--A3ZUI_aem_28Pao7IqI2v7UUw4ka_3-A" target="_blank">Instagram<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> |
<a href="https://twitter.com/cityofct?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2qlUskg1m2_-jNxWsmWO8yTT10OxcL4gGRz9-ERO2CLOyCw46e5kW79p4_aem_3xH4QdBq5TETH19Xqt2tnA" target="_blank">X<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> | <a href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https://linkedin.com/in/cityofct?fbclid%3DIwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR1YIHrcpr-wvFIeMgtH2O1nEZG4xUCfxnvVmJGCuFsnV4rbb8veJbpCmBc_aem_CEob5xxjH1VlGaRQBTv7TA&h=AT21wu8XXTmjW-q02E8wM3jLWPDX2Gk5Olz2LJjyjNniw3QU2Fi5u-NZ7nBKajabCTNlfhVBowD57mK6qWEc835cvtvjcQd3q9OT9RYeCU2BRAtYUHjyWKrZYprEb54nLw" target="_blank">Facebook<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>) to stay up to date on facility closures, maintenance or changes in operational times. </li><li> Water-based facilities
<br>-
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/Beaches_pamphlet.pdf" target="_blank">Beaches</a> and
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Tidal%20pools">tidal pools</a>
<br>-
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-city-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Bathhouses">Bathhouses </a></li><li> Green spaces, parks, and biodiversity
<br> -
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/CCT_Nature_Reserves_book_2010-02.pdf" target="_blank">City Nature Reserves</a> (see the
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Graphics%20and%20educational%20material/CCT_Nature_Reserves_pamphlet.pdf" target="_blank">map and contact details</a>)
<br> -
<a href="https://www.capetowngreenmap.co.za/interactive-green-map?query=all&bbox=-34.2110%2c18.2270%2c-34.0404%2c18.5463&order=alpha" target="_blank">Cape Town Green Map<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>: access an outline of green places and projects in the city
<br>-
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/District%20parks">District </a>and
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/Regional%20parks">regional parks</a><br>-
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-city-facilities/Our-recreational-facilities/District%20parks/The%20Company%27s%20Garden">The Company’s Garden </a></li><li> Private buildings and facilities open to the public
<br>- Malls and shopping centres
<br>- Museums
<br>- Indoor and outdoor kids play areas
<br>- Wine estates that offer air conditioned buildings and shaded areas </li><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Explore%20and%20enjoy/See-all-city-facilities/our-service-facilities/Public%20toilets">Public bathrooms</a> to access water for drinking or cooling the body</li></ul><p> Contact the
<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/Rec_and_Parks_Facility_Contact_List.pdf">Recreation and Parks Department</a> for more information. </p><h2 class="sectHeading">Heat safety on the road</h2><p>Traffic congestion is particularly bad on extreme heat days when everyone heads to beaches and outdoor recreational areas.</p><ul><li>
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Transport-and-vehicles/Vehicles-and-driving/Roadworthy-your-car">Roadworthy</a> and
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Transport-and-vehicles/Road-safety/Driving-and-vehicle-safety">road safety</a><strong>:</strong> Ensure that your car is roadworthy to limit incidences of overheating and breakdowns. </li><li> Heat health safety for passengers:<strong> </strong>Ensure that there is enough cold drinking water or sports drinks for all the occupants of the vehicle, hydrating snacks such as fruit, wet wipes or a wet cloth to keep the body cool, a towel or other material that can help block the sun coming through windows, and games or other entertainment to keep children busy. </li><li> Use
<a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Transport-and-vehicles/Public-transport-services/Buses-in-Cape-Town">public transport</a> to move around the city if possible and ensure that you carry enough cold drinking water. </li><li> Consider leaving home early in the morning to avoid peak traffic congestion during a hot weekend, public holiday or during holidays. </li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Occupational health and safety</h2><p>The workforce, especially outdoor workers, are particularly at risk of heat-related illnesses due to factors including ambient temperatures, personal protective equipment, and physically active, strenuous and manual labour. </p><p> Adapted from the City of Cape Town internal Workplace Heat Stress Risk Assessment and a Heat Stress Workplace Management Guideline, this<a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Forms%2c%20notices%2c%20tariffs%20and%20lists/Heat_Stress_Assessment.pdf" target="_blank"> Heat Stress Assessment </a>can help to ensure that your staff and colleagues stay safe during extreme heat. </p><h2 class="sectHeading">Useful links</h2><ul><li>
<a href="https://heatactionplatform.onebillionresilient.org/" target="_blank">Atlantic Council Climate Resilience Center's Heat Action Platform<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> </li><li>
<a href="https://ghhin.org/calendar/" target="_blank">Global Heat Health Information Network<i class="icon link-external"></i></a></li><li>
<a href="https://www.health.gov.za/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/National-Heat-Health-Action-Guidelines.pdf" target="_blank">National Heat Health Action Guidelines<i class="icon link-external"></i></a></li></ul><h2 class="sectHeading">Contact us</h2><h4>Risk and Resilience Department</h4><p>
<em>Telephone:<br><a>021 444 4094</a><br><br> Email:<br><a href="mailto:ClimateChange.Enquiries@capetown.gov.za">ClimateChange.Enquiries@capetown.gov.za</a></em></p> | | GP0|#246f1416-c535-446d-b8bf-f6ade5d4d7e2;L0|#0246f1416-c535-446d-b8bf-f6ade5d4d7e2|Beat the heat;GTSet|#ef3a64a2-d764-44bc-9d69-3a63d3fadea1;GPP|#e1eec47d-9c40-4859-a001-a519b50f3e4a;GPP|#df0a3405-0ca1-4617-8047-15a034219fee;GPP|#245ec7aa-a528-4cd3-bcac-597c292db711;GP0|#ad13a7f5-7507-4a95-b413-baf9a26a777d;L0|#0ad13a7f5-7507-4a95-b413-baf9a26a777d|Beat the heat;GPP|#c6d118c1-4a38-4635-ae3d-bf9f7ef0f2a3;GPP|#36dcb5fe-6bfc-4ae9-92d7-8bd08d1f6414;GPP|#af370586-9ba3-404a-9d6e-02066ca42752;GP0|#3b328d97-301d-48ad-925c-030985b60f37;L0|#03b328d97-301d-48ad-925c-030985b60f37|Beat the heat;GPP|#03d7df1d-5cbf-4874-a5be-4276bc4cceea | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Follow our tips to ensure that you are ready, able to respond, and informed about how to stay safe and healthy in extreme heat. | 0 |
