UNICEF provides some essential safety tips to cope with the scorching summer heat, especially as heatwaves have already hit several states in India.
What are heat waves?
Heat waves refer to those weather conditions where temperatures remain higher than normal for several days in a row.
Below are seven practical tips to help you stay cool and hydrated during extremely hot days. These tips also ensure the safety of the most vulnerable, especially babies, children, pregnant women and the elderly.
Also Read: Weather Today: IMD Issues Heatwave Warning For THESE States, And Orange Warning For Heavy Rains In 5 NE States
- Plan ahead: Plan outdoor activities based on the outside temperature. Stay aware of daily temperatures and avoid heading out during the hottest hours of the day, when the sun is at its peak.
- Wear appropriate clothing: On hot summer days, wear light, loose, breathable fabrics and wear a hat or umbrella when outdoors.
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent the body from dehydration, and always carry a water bottle with you.
- Find shade when outside.
Also read: IMD predicts thunderstorms from May 4, issues red alert for severe heat wave for next 3 days | View the full forecast
- Emergency kit: Prepare an emergency kit at home with oral rehydration salt (ORS) packets and a thermometer. Save contacts from healthcare facilities for emergencies.
- Keep it cool indoors: use fans and coolers and close shutters, blinds and curtains during the hottest hours of the day. Only open windows when it is warmer inside than outside. Try to stay on the ground floor where the air is relatively cooler.
- Avoid synthetic fabrics: Use cotton sheets and clothes, which are considered breathable fabrics, to stay cool.
Also read: IMD warns of above-normal heatwave days in May 2024 as India records hottest April since 1901
Recognize the most serious signs of heat stress
Immediate action should be taken if severe symptoms of heatstroke occur, which are listed below:
- Confusion/not responding clearly, seizures, coma, very dull, not waking up (very serious)
- Very high body temperature for more than two hours (40°C/104°F)
- Pass out
- Dark urine
- No urine for more than eight hours
- Rapid heart rate and breathing
- No sweating (but skin may be wet and hot)
It is important to note that children and babies are more vulnerable to heat stroke than adults because their bodies need time to adjust and regulate temperature.
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Published: May 2, 2024 09:25 IST