THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A temperature warning has been issued in six districts of the state, where temperatures may rise by two to four degrees Celsius above normal. In Palakkad, the temperature will remain high near 40 degrees Celsius and Kozhikode, Kannur, and Thrissur districts will continue to see high temperatures near 38 degrees Celsius. Kottayam and Alappuzha districts have been warned that the high temperature will remain close to 37 degrees Celsius.

Alerts issued by State Disaster Management Authority

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

* Measures 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.

* 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.

* As summer heat increases, forest fires are likely to spread. People living near forest areas and tourists should be especially careful and avoid forest fire situations. 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) in summer. Fire audit should be conducted and proper safety precautions should be taken. Those who live and run establishments near them 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 time, water availability should be ensured in the examination halls as well.

* School authorities and parents should pay special attention 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 should ensure that children are not exposed to direct heat between 11 am and 3 pm.

* Respective Panchayat authorities and Anganwadi staff should take special care to implement heat proof system for Anganwadi children.

* 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 and 3 pm. Special attention should be paid to such people as they are prone to sun damage easily.

* The respective establishments should ensure that the online food delivery operators on two-wheelers are safe during noon time (11 am to 3 pm). They should be instructed to dress appropriately to avoid exposure to heat and also be allowed to rest for a while 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. Good samaritans should help prevent the dehydration of on-duty police officers by providing drinking water to them.

* 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, Buttermilk, 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.