Heatwave Alert: 5 Things You Shouldn’t Do to Keep Yourself Safe When the Temperature Rises

When the air temperature rises to an unsafe level and endangers people’s health, it is called a heatwave. The IMD’s weather prediction indicates that heatwave conditions are probably going to persist for a few days. It may seriously endanger people’s health, particularly the elderly, young children, and anyone with severe medical disorders. It’s critical to take safety measures when the temperature rises to protect both you and other people.

In an interview with India.com, Dr. Manjusha Agarwal, Senior Consultant in Internal Medicine at Gleneagles Hospitals in Parel, Mumbai, offered some advice on how to lessen the effects of a heatwave.

Do’s

1. Stay Hydrated: Even if you don’t feel thirsty, be sure to drink a lot of water throughout the day. Drinking alcohol and caffeine may cause dehydration, so stay away from them.

2. Remain Cool: Go to places with air conditioning, such as shopping centers, libraries, and community centers. Think about going to public cooling facilities if you don’t have air conditioning at home.

3. Dress Appropriately: Don airy, loose-fitting garments composed of cotton or other breathable materials. Choose light hues that deflect rather than absorb the sun’s beams.

4. Minimize Outdoor Activities: If you must spend time outside, attempt to do it in the early morning or late evening when it is cooler. Take regular rests in places with air conditioning or shade.

5. Protect Your Skin: Use a high-SPF sunscreen to protect your skin from UV radiation and sunburn. For extra protection, put on sunglasses and a hat with a broad brim.

Don’t 

1. Overexert Yourself: Steer clear of physically demanding activities, particularly in the middle of the day when it’s warmest. Heatstroke or fatigue may result from prolonged physical activity in hot weather.

2. Never Leave Kids or Pets in Cars: Even with the windows slightly wide, the temperature inside a parked vehicle may rise to deadly heights very rapidly. Never, even for a little while, leave small children, dogs, or elderly people alone in a parked automobile.

3. Pay Attention to Symptoms: Heat-related ailments should be taken seriously if you have symptoms including headaches, dizziness, nausea, a fast heartbeat, or fainting. Seek emergency medical assistance if any of these symptoms affect you or someone else.

4. Remember About Others: Make sure your elderly neighbors, family, and others with ongoing medical issues are keeping hydrated and cool. Provide support as required, such as food shopping assistance or transportation to a cooling center.

5. Don’t Depend Only on Fans: Although fans may help you feel cooler and circulate air, they can’t bring down your body temperature in really hot conditions. Look for areas with air conditioning if the temperature is quite high in order to keep cool.

You may help safeguard people from the heatwave’s hazards by adhering to these dos and don’ts. Take proactive steps to be safe and healthy under hot weather conditions by keeping up with local heat warnings and weather predictions.