You Know It’s Hot In South Africa When… (Jokes and Tips to Take the Heat Off)

When it’s heatwave time, it’s time to bring out  this awesome ‘You Know It’s Hot in South Africa’ list. It was actually first created in Australia, but has proved just as popular in the USA and South Africa…

You Know It’s Hot in South Africa When…

1. You let your dog drive so you can hang YOUR head out the window
2. You lick a chocolate bar off the wrapper because it’s melted too much to hold
3. Hot water comes out of both taps (if you’re not experiencing water shedding!)
4. The best parking spot is determined by shade not distance
5. You learn that a seat belt buckle makes a pretty good branding iron
6. The temperature drops below 32c and you feel chilly
7. Your car overheats before you drive it
8. Even the pigeons in Pretoria are walking in their shadows
9. You discover that at the end of October it only takes two fingers to steer a car
10. You develop a fear of metal door handles
11. You run on the beach with a towel under your feet
12. You’re frying eggs on the pavement, your car bonnet and even your chest
13. You discover you can get sunburnt through your windscreen
14. You break a sweat the instant you step outside at 7am
15. Your biggest bicycle accident fear is “What if i get knocked out and end up lying on the road and getting cooked”
16. You realise tar has a liquid state
17. The chickens are laying hard-boiled eggs
18. While walking back barefoot to your car from any event, you do a tightrope act on the white lines in the carpark
19. You catch a cold from having the aircon on full blast all night long
20. You learn that Shopping Centres aren’t just for shopping, they are temples to worship air-conditioning
21. The trees are whistling for dogs
22. You’re relieved when someone walks past you and creates a breeze
23. Sticking your head in the freezer and taking deep breaths is considered normal. And you have to fight your dog for a front row place
24. A cup full of ice is considered a great snack
25. You dread load shedding because your aircon and fans no longer work
26. No one cares if you walk around with no shoes on
27. You keep anything in the fridge, including potatoes, bread and clothing
28. You have enough left over beer cans to make a boat and compete in a regatta. (A reference to a real event in Australia’s Northern Territory!)
29. The effort of towelling yourself off after a shower means you need another shower right away.
30. You will wait patiently until the day it starts raining to go on a run.
31. You saw a dog chasing a cat and they were both walking
32. You worry your ceiling fan is spinning so fast it will fly off and Kill You
33. Even your glass of coke sweats, with water dripping down the outside
34. You laugh because this list is so accurate.

Tips for Coping when South Africa has a Heatwave:

Despite the list’s humour, heatwaves are a serious concern and heat stroke can be life threatening. Here are some tips on coping when it gets too hot:

1. Drink water
2. Eat cold foods
3. Wear sunscreen, a hate and light, loose-fitting clothes
4. Seek shade and shelter and try to stay out of direct sunlight
5. Keep a close eye on babies, the elderly and children. Ensure they stay well hydrated
6. Ensure pets have a cool place to relax and cool clean water to drink
7. Don’t leave children and pets in the car, even if the windows are open

Severe heat stroke symptoms include:

• Severe headache
• Weakness or disorientation
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Severe thirst

Persisting symptoms should be taken seriously and medical assistance should be sought. Contact ER24 on 084 124 for any medical emergency.