Precautionary Measures to face heat wave in Kodagu

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning regarding increased sunshine and hot winds till the end of May. The District Disaster Management Authority has issued precautionary measures to all the public to take care of their health as the sun heat is increasing day by day in the district as heat wave (heat stroke) is likely to adversely affect the health of the public. 

Precautions to be taken to prevent illness caused by extreme heat in summer: 

Avoid exposure to the sun as much as possible, especially during peak temperatures. (11 am to 4 pm). Drinking plenty of water from time to time. Liquid substances like buttermilk, fresh water, fruit juice, glucose, ORS should be used more. Public should carry umbrella and cool glasses, towel and stay in cool places as much as possible, thin loose cotton clothes on sunny days should be worn. It is good to use white clothes as much as possible. Breathable footwear should be used. Cotton or turban hat and cooling glasses should be worn. 

Senior citizens and children should drink more water.  To take appropriate measures to reduce the room temperature. Moving the person with heat stroke symptoms to a cool place and ensuring that the person suffering from heat stroke has minimal clothing and the person has to be given a sponge bath with cold water or to use ice packs or keeping the person covered with ice packs.  If there is no improvement in the person suffering from heatwave stroke, he should be immediately shifted to a hospital with cooling system. 

Mandatory breaks should be prescribed for those working outdoors in the sun, spices should not be used excessively in food informed District Health and Family Welfare Officer Dr. K M Satish Kumar and added that cold water bath is good during hot summer days.