Center issues advice for protection against expected heat wave

New Delhi:

Amid an unusual rise in temperatures in some parts of the country, the Union Health Ministry released an advisory on Tuesday listing the dos and don’ts for protecting against the expected heat wave.

The list of ‘Dos and Don’ts’ comes after India’s Meteorological Department issued its first heat warning for 2023.

As part of a national action plan against heat-related illness, the ministry has advised citizens to avoid high-protein foods and cooking during peak summer hours and asked them not to go out in the sun, especially between noon and 3 p.m.

In the advice, the ministry also asked people to drink as much water as possible, even if they are not thirsty.

It has also asked people to use Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), consume homemade drinks such as lemon water, buttermilk/lassi and fruit juices with some added salt, and stay indoors in well-ventilated and cool places.

Residents have also been advised to consume fresh fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, lemon and orange, wear thin, loose cotton clothing, preferably light-colored, and cover heads with an umbrella, hat, cap, towel and other traditional headgear. when exposed to direct sunlight and do not go out barefoot.

The ministry further urged citizens to listen to the radio, read newspapers and watch television for local weather news, as well as monitor the IMD website.

It has asked people to watch for “heat stress” symptoms, including dizziness or fainting, nausea or vomiting, headache, extreme thirst, decreased urination with unusually dark yellow urine, and rapid breathing and heart rate.

It said citizens should immediately call 108/102 if they found someone with a high body temperature; and is unconscious, confused or has stopped sweating.

“Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles. The temperature inside a vehicle can become dangerous,” the advisory said.

Block direct sunlight and heat waves: Keep windows and drapes closed during the day, especially on the sunny side of your house. Open them at night to let in cooler air.

“If you do go outside, limit your outdoor activities to cooler times of the day, i.e. morning and evening,” it said.

The advisory also listed a list of “vulnerable populations, including infants and young children, pregnant women, people who work outside the home, people with mental illness, people who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, and people who come from cooler climates. come.” to a warm climate.

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