Page 11 - Dainfern Valley

WATER MATTERS SAFETY PRECAUTIONS
CURRENT DURING A STORM
HEAVY RAINS VAAL DAM With the recent thunderstorms and heavy
LEVEL

winds in our area, it is important to be alert

and take care during such conditions, both
IMPROVE THE DAM LEVELS 31.2% indoors and outdoors.
Here are a few precaution tips one can take
when a heavy thunderstorm occurs:

• Avoid driving during stormy conditions.
Roads will be slippery and wet during bad
"The situation was exacerbated by weather conditions.
the advent of a hot summer which
engendered scorching temperatures • Always try to go indoors when there is a
that impacted negatively on the heavy thunderstorm.
dam levels. However, as more
summer rains drench the country, • If you cannot find suitable shelter, get in a
dam levels are expected to increase car with a metal roof and sides. Make sure all
steadily until March next year," the windows are rolled up and doors are closed.
department said.
• Keep away from concrete floors or walls.
According to the latest dam levels Lightning can travel through any metal wires
report released by Water and or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
Sanitation, Gauteng's dams have
stabilised at 92.5% in the past few • Avoid water during a thunderstorm.
weeks. Lightning can travel through plumbing.
• Switch off all electronic equipment. This
Although the Vaal Dam on the south includes television sets, kitchen appliances,
of the province had plunged to radios, etc. Lightning can travel through
28%, the department said the heavy electrical systems.
he Vaal Dam, which is boost the average dam levels by a rains are expected to boost the dam
Gauteng's main water percentage or more. levels. • Bring your pets indoors. Doghouses and
supply, has been other pet shelters are not suitable protection
shrinking week-on- The Department of Water and The Department of Water and against lightning strikes.
week and was sitting Sanitation noted that for the past Sanitation has appealed to South
Ton 28% after a series five months, the country's dam Africans to continue saving water • Stay away from isolated objects such as trees
of heatwaves. levels have been on the decline at despite the heavy downpours. It will and light posts.
a rate of one percentage week-on- take some time before the low dams
The torrential rains in major parts week, with a drop of an estimated return to their normal levels. • If you are fishing or swimming, get out of the
of the country are expected to 12% volumes of water. Source: SAnews.gov.za water immediately, and move away from the
body of water. Being near water is extremely
dangerous during a lightning storm.
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