THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Summer is sweltering in the state, and the heat is likely to increase further by the end of March. It is impossible to even go out during the day across the state. The heat is increasing in a similar manner to last year.

Three people in Pathanamthitta, Kozhikode and Malappuram districts have suffered sunburn. Suresh of Anayamkunnu in Kozhikode suffered burns on his neck due to sunburn.

A 44-year-old man named Hussain of Tirurangadi Cherumukku in Malappuram suffered burns. Hussain suffered sunburn on his right hand and neck while working on the terrace of his house around 12 noon. A person in Konni, Pathanamthitta also suffered sunburn. KG Udayan, a member of Konni Grama Panchayat, suffered sunburn.

High heat can cause several serious health problems including sunstroke, heatstroke and dehydration. The State Disaster Management Authority has issued cautionary advisories for the public in light of the high heat reported in the state.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm.
• Drink plenty of water. Continue drinking water even if you are not thirsty.
• Avoid alcohol, coffee, tea, carbonated soft drinks, etc., which cause dehydration during the day.
• Wear loose, light-colored cotton clothes.
• Wear footwear when going out. It is better to use an umbrella or hat.
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. Encourage the use of ORS solution, Sambaram, etc.
• There is a high risk of fire outbreaks and spread in places like markets, buildings, and waste collection and disposal centers (dumping yards). Fire audits should be conducted and proper safety precautions should be taken. Those living near these places and those running establishments should be especially vigilant.
• There is a possibility of forest fires spreading in the heatwave. Those living near forest areas and tourists should be especially vigilant. Situations that could lead to forest fires should be avoided. The instructions of the Forest Department should be strictly followed.
• Students should be ensured clean drinking water in educational institutions and ventilation in classrooms should be ensured. During the examination period, water availability should also be ensured in examination halls.
• School authorities and parents should take special care of students. Assemblies and other programs that expose children to excessive heat should be avoided or timed accordingly. Schools that take children on excursions should ensure that children are not directly exposed to heat between 11 am and 3 pm.
• The respective Panchayat authorities and Anganwadi staff should take special care to implement a system that prevents Anganwadi children from getting exposed to heat.
• Bedridden patients, the elderly, pregnant women, children, the differently abled, and those suffering from other diseases should be especially careful not to be exposed to direct sunlight between 11 am and 3 pm. Special care should be taken in their case as such groups are prone to sunstroke easily.
• The respective institutions should ensure that those who deliver food online on two-wheelers are safe during the afternoon (between 11 am and 3 pm). They should be instructed to dress in a way that prevents them from getting hot and, if necessary, be allowed to rest for a short time during the journey.
• Journalists and police officers should use umbrellas during this time (between 11 am and 3 pm) and be careful not to be exposed to direct sunlight. Provide drinking water to the officers engaged in work and help prevent dehydration.
• While organizing public programs and conferences, the organizers should ensure that the participants have access to sufficient drinking water and shade. Avoid gatherings from 11 am to 3 pm as much as possible.
• It is better for those who are traveling to continue their journey with sufficient rest. Keep water in hand.
• Construction workers, agricultural workers, street vendors, and those engaged in any other strenuous work should adjust their working hours. Ensure necessary rest at work.
• Avoid leaving cattle to graze in the midday sun and tying up other domestic animals in the sun. Ensure availability of water for animals and birds.
• Do not leave children or domestic animals in parked vehicles.
• Take steps to use water without wasting it and to store as much water as possible when it rains. Always keep a small bottle of drinking water handy to prevent dehydration.
• If you feel unwell, rest immediately and seek medical attention.
• Listen to and obey official warnings from the Meteorological Department and the Disaster Management Authority.