Heat wave likely in three more districts after Palakkad; extreme caution needed; alerts issued

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: An orange alert has been issued in Palakkad in the wake of the possibility of a heat wave. The central meteorological department has issued a warning till Thursday. Apart from this, yellow alert has also been issued in Alappuzha, Thrissur and Kozhikode in case of the possibility of heat wave.

Extreme heat was recorded in these districts for consecutive days. The heatwave warning is based on the forecast that the temperature will rise to 41 degrees Celsius in Palakkad, 40 degrees Celsius in Thrissur, 39 degrees Celsius in Kozhikode and 38 degrees Celsius in Alappuzha in the coming days.

A heat wave is a situation that calls for extreme caution. Public and non-governmental institutions should be vigilant. Sunstroke and sunburn are more likely to occur. Sunstroke can even lead to death. The following instructions should be followed strictly

• Avoid going out during the day as much as possible.
• Completely stop all outdoor work, sports, and other activities that expose the body to direct sunlight.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Go out only for essentials. Always use umbrella and footwear when going out.
• Those who engage in strenuous physical activity should only work with breaks and rest.
• Avoid alcohol, carbonated drinks and tea coffee completely during the day as they cause dehydration.
• Due to continuous use of electrical devices, they get hot and the wire melts and there is a possibility of fire, so these should be switched off after use in offices and homes. Keep fans, lights and ACs switched off at night in offices and rooms that are not in use.
• Ensure air circulation at home, office and workplace.
• Markets, buildings, dumping yards, areas where there are piles of garbage and dry grass are more likely to catch fire. A fire audit should be conducted at these places and proper safety precautions should be taken. Those who live near them and run establishments should be careful.
• Employment workers, media workers, outside workers and police officers should use umbrellas from 11 am to 3 pm and avoid direct exposure to the sun. Help the general community prevent dehydration by providing drinking water to those who are engaged in work.
• School authorities and parents should take special care in the case of students. Children should avoid or schedule programs that expose them to more sunlight. Schools taking children on field trips ensure that children are not exposed to direct heat between 11 am and 3 pm.
• Special provision should be made for bedridden patients, elderly, pregnant women, children, differently-abled persons and those suffering from disabilities due to other diseases.
• All public events should be postponed to evenings.