Keralam is experiencing severe heat; Yellow alert issued in 12 districts, people going out asked to be vigilant

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued yellow alert in 12 districts as the severe heat continues in the state. The yellow alert is in the districts except Idukki and Wayanad. The heat continues to be at its highest in Kollam, Kottayam and Palakkad. The warning says that the temperature is likely to rise up to 38 degrees Celsius in these districts. The warning says that the temperature will increase up to 37 degrees Celsius in Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur and up to 36 degrees Celsius in Thiruvananthapuram, Malappuram and Kasaragod.

The disaster management authority has advised people to avoid direct exposure to the sun from 11 am to 3 pm and to be vigilant as the temperature is likely to rise by two to three degrees Celsius compared to the usual. The state disaster management authority has also issued cautionary instructions for the public in the wake of the increasing heat.

Precautions

1. Avoid prolonged direct sunlight exposure between 11 am and 3 pm.
2. Continue drinking water even if you are not thirsty. Drink as much fresh water as possible.
3. Avoid dehydrating drinks such as alcohol, coffee, tea, and carbonated soft drinks 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, butter milk, etc.
7. There is a high risk 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 and those running establishments should be especially vigilant.
8. In the event of excessive heat, there is a possibility of forest fires spreading. 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. Educational institutions should ensure clean drinking water for students and air circulation in classrooms. During examination period, water availability should also be ensured in the examination halls.
10. School authorities and parents should take special care of 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 too hot.
12. Bedridden patients, the elderly, pregnant women, children, 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 during the afternoon (11 am to 3 pm). They should be instructed to wear clothing that will protect them from the heat and, if necessary, be allowed to rest for a short time during the journey.
14. Journalists and police officers should use umbrellas during this time (11 am to 3 pm) and be careful not to be exposed to direct sunlight. Provide drinking water to the officers engaged in work to help prevent dehydration.
15. While organizing public programs and conferences, the organizers should ensure that the participants have access to sufficient drinking water and shade. Avoid gatherings from 11 am to 3 pm as much as possible.
16. It is better for those who are traveling to continue their journey with sufficient 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 necessary rest at work.
18. Avoid leaving cattle to graze in the midday sun and tying up other domestic animals in the sun. Ensure access to water for animals and birds.
19. Do not leave children or domestic animals in parked vehicles.
20. Take steps to use water without wasting it and to store as much water as possible when it rains. Always keep drinking water in a small bottle to prevent dehydration.
21. If you feel unwell, rest immediately and seek medical help.
22. Listen to and obey the official warnings of the IMD and the disaster management authority.