The Disaster Risk Management Centre of the City of Cape Town is asking young people to take care during the festive season period and to dial 107 if they need medical and/or any other help of an emergency nature.

In previous years paramedics have been called to a lot of injuries thatcould have been avoided.

"Dehydration, alcohol consumption, car accidents, drink-spiking and drug overdoses pose a threat to young revellers. "The best advice is toenjoy yourself but take things easy. Friends should keep an eye out foreach other." Should things get out of hand, dial 107 immediately.

"Binge drinking has serious consequences, it can suppress a person'sbreathing, which is potentially life threatening. Drugs can contain unknown substances and they too can lead to serious breathing problems."

Young people are requested to take some simple precautions, including:

• Drink plenty of water;
• * Never leave your drinks unattended;
• * Don't mix alcohol and medication;
• * Be careful crossing the road;
• * Wear flat shoes to avoid tripping;
• * Slip, slop, slap.

Please be assured that Emergency Medical Services have paramedics on duty during the festive season 24-hours a day, which will be assisted by Disaster Management Volunteers.

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Issued by:

Communication and Marketing
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 400 2201
Fax: 021 957 0023

MEDIA QUERIES:

Wilfred Solomons
Disaster Risk Management Centre
City of Cape Town
Tel: 021 597 5000
Cell: 084 711 7709
Email: Wilfred.Solomons@capetown.gov.za Email: DisasterRiskManagement.Centre@capetown.gov.za