THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Disaster Management Authority has directed the public to be vigilant in the face of rising temperatures. People may experience serious health problems such as sunstroke, sunburn, and dehydration.

Precautions to be taken

• Care should be taken from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Avoid direct sunlight. Elderly, pregnant women and children should be especially careful in this regard.
• Keep drinking water on the go to prevent dehydration.
• Continue drinking water even if you are not thirsty.
• Avoid drinks like alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated soft drinks during the day.
• ORS, lassi, buttermilk and lemonade are good.
• Wear loose, light colored cotton clothing. Use an umbrella or hat when going out.
• Institutions should ensure that those serving food on two-wheelers are safe and should be allowed to rest in between journies.
• Journalists and police should use umbrellas.
• Employees should be provided drinking water at the examination centers.
• Local bodies should ensure water at water kiosks.
• If you feel unwell, rest immediately. Seek medical attention.
• Those affected by sunstroke should be laid on the bed or floor, ventilate with a fan, wipe the body with a damp cloth, and give water and liquid food. Medical help should be provided immediately.