Several parts of India are witnessing intense heatwaves, and several deaths have also been reported over recent days.
The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) defines heatwaves as a “period of abnormally high temperatures, more than the normal maximum temperature that occurs during the summer season in the North-Western parts of India.”
The NDMA also warns that “extreme temperatures and resultant atmospheric conditions [during heatwaves] adversely affect people living in these regions as they cause physiological stress, sometimes resulting in death.”
Given the severity of heatwaves, here, we look at a few dos and don’ts, as prescribed by the NDMA.
What to do when dealing with heatwave conditions:
* It’s best to avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm, when temperatures are higher than other times of the day
* Keep yourself adequately hydrated—drink water or other hydrating drinks at regular intervals, even if you aren’t thirsty
* It’s advisable to wear light-weight, light coloured clothes made of breathable fabrics such as cotton. Use of protective accessories such as umbrellas, hats, goggles, etc is also advisable
* Avoid drinks such as alcohol, coffee, and carbonated soft drinks, which dehydrate the body
* It is also advisable to avoid high protein food as it heats up the body
* It is important to not leave children or pets in vehicles during day time, especially between 12 noon and 3 pm, when temperatures soar
* When at home, use curtains, sunshades or other measures to keep your house cool. Keep windows open at night to allow air to circulate
* Use fans, air conditioners, and damp cloth to keep yourself cool. Take frequent baths if necessary
* Consult a doctor immediately if you feel ill
While the aforementioned measures help during heatwave conditions, it is still possible to suffer sun strokes.
Tips to treat someone affected by sunstroke:
* The primary purpose when treating someone affected by sunstroke is to bring down their body temperature
* To that end, lay the person in a cool place, under shade and pour normal temperature water on their head
* Wash their body frequently if possible or use a wet cloth to wipe their body
* Give the person rehydrating drinks like ORS, lemon sarbat, or even water to help them rehydrate
* After administering first aid, rush them to the nearest hospital or health centre
* Remember, sunstrokes can be fatal