Administration Tightens Measures Against Heatwave and Heat Stroke, Urges Citizens to Stay Alert

View of the continuously rising temperatures and intensifying heatwave conditions across the state, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Rajendra Shukla has appealed to citizens to remain vigilant. He emphasized that the safety of children, the elderly, women, the sick, and outdoor laborers is a top priority for the government during the summer season. He added that the government and administration are fully alert and have instructed all health institutions in the state to make necessary preparations.

Special Instructions to the Health Department:

Dr. Saloni Sidana, Managing Director of the National Health Mission (NHM), has directed Chief Medical and Health Officers and hospital superintendents in all districts to undertake necessary preparations and launch public awareness campaigns to prevent heat-related illnesses. She also instructed that the Government of India’s guidelines on the prevention of heat-related illnesses be made available at all health institutions and discussed during district health committee meetings.

Essential Tips to Prevent Heatstroke:

1. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration during summer can lead to serious health issues. Citizens are advised to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if they do not feel thirsty. Always carry water while traveling. Consuming ORS, lemon water, buttermilk, lassi, fruit juices, and seasonal fruits such as watermelon, cucumber, and muskmelon helps maintain hydration.
2. Cover the Body: Wear light-colored, cotton, and loose-fitting clothes when stepping out in the sun. Cover your head with a cap, umbrella, scarf, or cloth. Avoid walking barefoot; wear slippers or shoes.
3. Keep Homes Cool: Close curtains and windows during the afternoon to keep indoor temperatures down and open them at night to allow ventilation. Stay indoors or in the shade as much as possible. If going out is necessary, prefer early morning or late evening hours.

Precautions during Extreme Heat:

1. Avoid going outside between 12 PM and 3 PM unless necessary.
2. Postpone strenuous physical work during this period.
3. Refrain from consuming alcohol, tea, coffee, soft drinks, excessively sweet or stale food.
4. Do not leave children or pets inside parked vehicles.

Safety Measures for Workers and the Public: Ensure the availability of drinking water at workplaces and encourage workers to drink water every 20 minutes. Reschedule work during the cooler hours of the morning or evening. Provide shaded rest areas and ensure adequate breaks for laborers. Implement a "buddy system" and deploy trained first aid personnel. At large public gatherings, make arrangements for water, shade, and first aid facilities.

Recognizing and Responding to Heat Stroke: High temperatures can lead to heat rashes, muscle cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include high fever, confusion, fainting, and red, hot skin. This condition can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. In emergencies, call 108 or 102. Move the patient to a cool place, apply cold water or wet cloths to their body, and continue cooling measures until medical help arrives.

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