THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department has cautioned that temperatures in isolated places of Kerala are likely to rise by 2 to 3 degrees Celsius above normal today and tomorrow. The combination of high heat and humidity could lead to warm and uncomfortable weather conditions.
In light of the high temperatures being reported in the state, the State Disaster Management Authority has issued additional precautionary guidelines for the public. High temperatures can lead to serious health problems such as heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration. Therefore, the public is advised to follow the guidelines below:
Precautionary Guidelines:
Avoid prolonged direct exposure to sunlight between 11 AM and 3 PM.
Drink plenty of clean water. Continue to drink water even if you do not feel thirsty.
Avoid alcoholic beverages, coffee, tea, and carbonated cold drinks during the daytime, as they can cause dehydration.
Wear loose, light-coloured cotton clothing.
Wear footwear while going outside. Using an umbrella or a hat is advisable.
Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Promote the use of ORS solution, buttermilk, and other hydrating drinks.
There is an increased likelihood of fires occurring and spreading in places like markets, buildings, waste collection and disposal centers (dumping yards), and similar areas. Fire audits must be conducted, and proper safety precautions must be taken. Residents living nearby and institutions operating in these areas must exercise extra caution.
In hot conditions, there is a possibility of wildfires spreading. Those living near forested areas, as well as tourists, must be especially vigilant. Measures to prevent the occurrence of wildfires should be taken, and the directives of the Forest Department must be strictly followed.
Educational institutions must ensure that students have access to clean drinking water and that there is proper ventilation in classrooms. During exam time, water availability must also be ensured in examination halls.
School authorities and parents must pay special attention to students' well-being. Assemblies and other events that expose children to excessive sunlight should be avoided, or the schedule should be adjusted. Schools taking children on excursions must ensure that children are not exposed to direct heat from 11 AM to 3 PM.
Panchayat authorities and Anganwadi staff must implement measures to ensure that children at Anganwadis are not exposed to excessive heat.
Bedridden patients, the elderly, pregnant women, children, people with disabilities, and those suffering from other health conditions should not be directly exposed to sunlight from 11 AM to 3 PM. These groups are more susceptible to sunstroke, so special attention must be paid to their well-being.
For those delivering food through online services on two-wheelers, the respective organizations must ensure their safety during the midday hours (11 AM to 3 PM). They should be instructed to wear appropriate clothing to avoid heat exposure, and if necessary, they should be allowed to take short breaks during their trips.
Journalists and police officers should use umbrellas during this time and take precautions to avoid direct exposure to the sun. Officers involved in these duties should be provided with drinking water to prevent dehydration.
When organizing public events or conferences, organizers should ensure that participants have access to necessary drinking water and shade. It is advisable to avoid holding events or meetings between 11 AM and 3 PM whenever possible.
Travellers should take sufficient rest during their journeys. Carrying water is essential.
