Heatwave News: Weather department shares dos and don'ts to protect yourself from scorching temperature

Parts of Northern and eastern India saw blistering heat wave conditions on Wednesday, June 19 and a western disturbance may give much-needed relief, if only somewhat, over the following several days, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

Many parts of Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and northern Rajasthan had maximum temperatures ranging from 43 to 45 degrees Celsius.

Meanwhile, the Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) today issued dos and don'ts to help citizens minimise the impact of the heat wave and prevent serious ailments or even death due to heatstroke.

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Dos and don'ts: DDMA

The DDMA has recommended individuals to avoid going out in the sun, especially between 12 noon and 3 PM, when the sun's rays are most powerful. The department also suggests drinking lots of water regularly to stay hydrated.

The DDMA has encouraged individuals to avoid intense activities while the outdoors temperature is high, as well as outdoor labour between 12 and 3 PM. It has also encouraged people to take water before travelling.

To keep the body cool, DDMA recommends that those working outside wear a hat or umbrella and apply a moist cloth to their head, neck, face, and limbs.

They also caution against leaving children or pets in parked automobiles, which can soon become dangerously hot.

DDMA has also suggested wearing lightweight, light-coloured, loose, and porous cotton clothes to keep cool and using protective gear such as goggles, umbrellas or hats, and shoes or chappals while venturing out in the sun.

The department also advises against drinking alcohol, tea, coffee, or carbonated soft beverages, since they might dehydrate the body. DDMA has also recommended individuals to avoid high-protein and stale meals..

In case of feeling faint or ill, DDMA advises people to seek immediate medical attention.

They have also advised people to use Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), and homemade drinks like lassi, torani (rice water), lemon water, buttermilk to help rehydrate the body.

DDMA has also advised people to protect animals by keeping them in the shade and providing them with plenty of water to drink.

Besides all these tips, the DDMA recommends using curtains, shutters, or sunshades and opening windows at night to keep dwellings cool. They also recommend using fans, moist clothes, and taking periodic cold water baths to help keep interior temperatures tolerable.

According to the IMD, heat waves are periods of abnormally high temperatures across a region. A heatwave is defined as a station's maximum temperature reaching at least 40 degrees Celsius on the plains and at least 30 degrees Celsius on the hills. 

With agency inputs