The City of Tshwane Emergency Services Department cautions the public to stay warm while remaining safe during cold weather conditions.
The department wishes to alert the public about the cold weather conditions forecast by the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for this weekend.
According to the SAWS, an intense cut-off low-pressure system will bring very cold, wet, and windy conditions to southern and eastern South Africa this weekend, while there may be possible snow and scattered thunderstorms, with cold to very cold daytime temperatures (8 °C to 12 °C) over parts Gauteng.
The cut-off low-pressure system is expected to weaken and exit the country from Saturday afternoon. Daytime temperatures are expected to recover quickly from Sunday into Monday.
Members of the public are urged to be cautious during the cold weather to ensure the safety and well-being of people, animals, and property by observing the following precautionary measures:
• If there is any fire danger to dwellings, such as shacks or houses, or vegetation or veld fires, call the toll-free number 107 for emergencies.
Never use fuels that are not designed for your heating unit.
- Unapproved controlled burning must never be carried out (no controlled burning
will be approved during this period). - Never leave children unattended near a burning candle or fire.
- Make sure that all candles are placed in safe candleholders.
- Never connect electricity illegally.
- Never overload electrical plugs.
- Never leave an imbawula or a coal fire to burn overnight without supervision.
• Burning charcoal produces large amounts of carbon monoxide, so do not leave this in the house when sleeping
