THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala is likely to experience extreme heat today. The Meteorological Center has announced that the dry weather will continue. The heat will continue today similar to the previous days. Yesterday, the temperature was found to be above 40 degrees Celsius at six places in Kerala. Meanwhile, no special warning has been given to any district today. North Kerala experienced more heat on the last day. In Palakkad, Kannur, and Kasaragod, the temperature was above 40 degrees. The temperature rise is due to the presence of cyclonic circulation.

As the summer heat is increasing in the state, the State Disaster Management Authority has issued a warning to the public.

* The general public should avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the day between 11 am and 3 pm.

* Steps should be taken to use water without wastage and store maximum water during summer rains. Always keep a small bottle of drinking water handy to prevent dehydration.

* Drink as much fresh water as possible. Keep drinking water even if you are not thirsty. Avoid dehydrating drinks like alcohol, coffee, tea, and carbonated soft drinks during the day.

* Wear loose, light-colored cotton clothes.

* Wear footwear when going out. It is advisable to use an umbrella or a hat.

* There is a possibility of forest fire spreading in case of increasing 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.

* Fires are more likely to increase and spread in places such as 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.

* Clean drinking water should be ensured for students in educational institutions and air circulation should be ensured in classrooms. As it is the examination period, water availability should be ensured in the examination halls as well.

* School authorities and parents should take special care in the case 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.

* Respective Panchayat authorities and Anganwadi staff should pay special attention to implementing such systems so that Anganwadi children do not get heatstroke.

* The elderly, pregnant women, children, the differently abled, and those suffering from other diseases should take special care not to be exposed to direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm. Special attention should be paid to such sections as they are prone to sun damage easily.

* The respective establishments should ensure that the online food delivery operators on two-wheelers are safe at noon time (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.

* Journalists and police officers should use umbrellas during this time (11 am to 3 pm) and avoid direct sun exposure. Help prevent dehydration by providing drinking water to on-duty police officers.

* Travelers should continue their journey with adequate rest. Keep water handy.

*Construction workers, agricultural workers, street vendors, and those involved in hard work should adjust their working hours. Ensure adequate rest at work.

* Avoid leaving cattle to graze in the midday sun and keeping other domestic animals tied up in the sun. Ensure access to water for animals and birds.

* Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Encourage the use of ORS solution, Sambharam, etc.

* Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles.

* If you feel uncomfortable, rest immediately and seek medical attention.

* Heed and obey the official warnings of the Meteorological Department and the Disaster Management Authority.