THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The State Disaster Management Authority has issued a warning to the public in view of the increasing summer heat in the state. The instructions say to avoid continuous exposure to direct sunlight from 11 am to 3 pm. Keep drinking water ready to prevent dehydration. It is demanded that measures be taken to use water without wasting it and to store maximum water during summer rains. The State Disaster Management Authority also warns that there is a possibility of forest fire spreading in case of increasing summer heat.
State Disaster Management Authority's post in full format
State Disaster Management Authority has issued cautionary instructions for the public in case of increasing summer heat in the state.
1. The general public should avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the day between 11am and 3 pm.
2. Steps should be taken to use water without wastage and to store maximum water during summer rains. Always keep a small bottle of drinking water handy to prevent dehydration.
3. Drink plenty of fresh water. Keep drinking water even if you are not thirsty. Avoid dehydrating drinks like 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 advisable to use an umbrella or a hat.
6. There is a possibility of spread of wildfires in case of excessive summer heat. Tourists and people living near forest areas should be especially careful. Forest fire situations should be avoided. The instructions of the forest department should be followed strictly.
7. Fires are more likely to increase and spread in places like markets, buildings, waste collection and deposit centers (dumping yards) during summer. Fire audit should be conducted and proper safety precautions should be taken. Those who live near them and run establishments should be especially careful.
8. Clean drinking water should be ensured for the students in the educational institutions and air circulation should be ensured in the classrooms. As it is the examination period, water availability should be ensured in the examination halls as well.
9. School authorities and parents should take special care of students. Assemblies and other events that expose children to excessive sunlight should be avoided or rescheduled. Schools taking children on field trips ensure that children are not exposed to direct heat between 11 am and 3 pm.
10. Respective Panchayat authorities and Anganwadi staff should take special care to implement heat proof system for Anganwadi children.
11. The elderly, pregnant women, children, differently abled and those suffering from other diseases should take special care not to be exposed to direct sunlight between 11 am to 3 pm during the day. Special attention should be paid to such sections as they are prone to sun damage easily.
12. The respective establishments should ensure that online food delivery boys on two wheelers are safe during noon (11 am to 3 pm). They should be instructed to dress appropriately to avoid exposure to heat and should be allowed to rest for a short time during the journey if necessary.
13. Media workers and police officers should use umbrellas during this time (11 am to 3 pm) and avoid direct sun exposure. Help prevent dehydration by giving Sumanaskar drinking water to on-duty policemen.
14. It is better for travelers to continue their journey with adequate rest. Keep water handy.
15. Construction workers, agricultural workers, street vendors, and those engaged in hard work should adjust their working hours. Ensure adequate rest at work.
16. Leaving cattle to graze in the midday sun and tethering other domestic animals in the sun should be avoided. Ensure access to water for animals and birds.
17. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Encourage the use of ORS solution, Sambharam etc.
18. No children or pets allowed in parked vehicles.
19. If you feel uncomfortable, rest immediately and seek medical attention.
20. Heed and obey official warnings of Meteorological Department and Disaster Management Authority.