Sunstroke, heatstroke and dehydration: Kerala to experience scorching heat for two days; warning to those venturing out

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Meteorological Department has said that the temperature is likely to rise in Kerala today and tomorrow. It has been announced that the temperature will be two to three degrees Celsius higher than normal in isolated places.

There is a possibility of hot and uncomfortable weather due to high temperatures and humid air. The Meteorological Department also points out that high heat can cause several serious health problems including sunstroke, heatstroke, dehydration.

Precautions

1. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure between 11 am and 3 pm.
2. *Drink plenty of clean water. Continue drinking water even if you are not thirsty.
3. Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, carbonated soft drinks, etc., which cause dehydration during the day.
4. Wear loose, light-colored cotton clothes.
5. Wear footwear when going out. It is better to use an umbrella or hat.
6. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Encourage the use of ORS solution, Sambaram, etc.
7. There is a high possibility of fire outbreaks and spread in places like markets, buildings, and waste collection and storage centers (dumping yards). Fire audits should be conducted and proper safety precautions should be taken. Those living near these places and those running establishments should be especially vigilant.
8. There is a possibility of forest fires spreading in the heatwave. Those living near forest areas and tourists should be especially vigilant. Situations that could lead to forest fires should be avoided. The instructions of the Forest Department should be strictly followed.
9. Clean drinking water should be ensured for students in educational institutions and ventilation should be ensured in classrooms. During the examination period, water availability should also be ensured in examination halls.
10. School authorities and parents should pay special attention to students. Assemblies and other programs that expose children to excessive heat should be avoided or timed accordingly. Schools that take children on excursions should ensure that children are not directly exposed to heat between 11 am and 3 pm.
11. The respective panchayat authorities and anganwadi staff should take special care to implement a system that prevents Anganwadi children from getting exposed to heat.
12. Bedridden patients, the elderly, pregnant women, children, the differently abled, and those suffering from other diseases should be especially careful not to be exposed to direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm. Since such groups are prone to sunstroke, special care should be taken in their case.
13. The respective institutions should ensure that those who distribute food online on two-wheelers are safe from 11 am to 3 pm. They should be instructed to dress in a way that prevents them from getting exposed to excessive heat and, if necessary, be allowed to rest for a short time during the journey.
14. Media workers and police officers should use umbrellas from 11 am to 3 pm and avoid direct sun exposure. People should help prevent dehydration of officials engaged in work by providing them with drinking water.
15. When holding public events and gatherings, organizers should ensure that participants have access to adequate drinking water and shade. Avoid gatherings between 11 am and 3 pm if possible.
16. It is best for those travelling to continue their journey with adequate rest. Keep water in hand.
17. Construction workers, agricultural workers, street vendors, and those engaged in any other strenuous work should adjust their working hours. Ensure adequate rest at work.
18. Avoid leaving livestock to graze in the midday sun and tying up other domestic animals in the sun. Ensure the availability of water for animals and birds.
19. Children or pets should not be left in parked vehicles.
20. Steps should be taken to use water without wasting it and to store as much water as possible when it rains. Always keep a small bottle of drinking water handy to prevent dehydration.
21. If you feel unwell, rest immediately and seek medical attention.
22. Listen to and obey official warnings from the Meteorological Department and the Disaster Management Authority.