Joburg EMS on high alert as cold snap hits city
Emergency services in Johannesburg have once again warned residents to be careful when using heating devices amid the cold snap.
The South African Weather Service said on Sunday that the cold weather in Gauteng is expected to persist throughout the week.
"Cold weather conditions are expected to spread in Gauteng on Monday, and it will remain cold for much of the week but we are not expecting any rainfall," senior weather forecaster Puseletso Mofokeng warned.
READ: SAWS warns of cold snap, possible snow
The mercury in Johannesburg is expected to only reach 10 degrees Celsius on Monday.
Emergency services spokesperson Robert Mulaudzi said they are on high alert, and monitoring all seven of the metro’s regions.
"These extremely cold temperatures will force most of our residents throughout the City of Johannesburg to use heating devices to try and warm themselves, in the process leaving them vulnerable to fire incidents at home.
“Residents are urged to exercise caution when using heating devices like heaters and paraffin stoves and not leave them unattended while in use to prevent fire incidents at home. Residents who are using braizers or imbaula are urged to use them in a well-ventilated area and reminded to take them out before going to bed.
"We are targeting vulnerable communities and informal settlements to make sure that we can effectively respond to all emergencies which might occur during these extremely cold temperatures,” Mulaudzi added.
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