THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A warning of rising temperature in the state. There is a temperature warning in nine districts today and tomorrow. The temperature may rise by three degrees to five degrees.
On August 23 and 24 Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam districts will experience high temperature of up to 36°C (3 °C - 5 °C above normal) and Alappuzha, Kottayam and Palakkad up to 35°C (3 °C - 5 °C above normal). The Central Meteorological Department said that Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram and Kozhikode may experience a temperature rise of up to 34°C (3°C - 4°C above normal).
State Disaster Management Authority has issued cautionary instructions for the public in the case of increasing heat in the state.
1) The general public should avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight during the day between 11 am and 3 pm.
2) Measures should be taken to use water without wastage and store maximum water during rainfall. 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 forest fire spreading in case of excessive heat. Tourists and people living near forest areas should be careful. Forest fire situations should be avoided. The instructions of the forest department should be followed strictly.
7. Fires are more likely to spread and spread in places like markets, buildings, and dumping yards. 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 students in educational institutions and air circulation should be ensured in classrooms. Water availability should also be ensured in the examination halls during the examination period.
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 persons 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 sunburn easily.
12. The respective establishments should ensure that online food delivery on two-wheelers is safe during noon (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 short time during the journey if necessary.
13. Journalists and police officers should use umbrellas during this time (11 am to 3 pm) and avoid direct sun exposure. Help prevent dehydration by giving drinking water to on-duty police officers.
14. It is better for travellers to continue their journey with adequate rest. Keep water in hand.
15. Fix the working hours of construction workers, agricultural workers, street vendors and those engaged in any other hard work. Ensure adequate rest at work.
16. Cattle should be left to graze in the midday sun and other domestic animals tied up 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, butter milk etc.
18. No children or pets should be made to sit 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.