In view of the increasing intensity of the summer this year and a prediction that it will be hotter during the coming months, the state government of Tamil Nadu has come up with some very useful suggestions for the public to follow. These tips are given by the Chennai district collector.
Dos:
- Watch TV, listen to radio and read the newspapers regarding the weather the heat wave and the hot breeze
- Ensure to drink plenty of water
- Wear light-colored, loose cotton cloth. When venturing out, remember to take the umbrella, caps, sunglasses, and footwear.
- Remember to carry water when going out.
- In case working under direct exposure to the sun, use the cap or the umbrella. Cover the head, neck, face, and the knees with wet cloths.
- Take lassi, rice gruel, lemon juice, and buttermilk regularly to ensure enough water in the digestion system.
- Keep a watch on your body in the case of symptoms of tiredness, fatigue, headache, or profuse sweating, take care and medical advice, if required.
- If feeling giddy/dizziness or fainting, contact the doctor immediately.
- In case pets are kept in the house, take care to keep them under shadows and ensure giving enough water to them.
- Reduce the intensity of heat by using curtains. Keep the windows open during the nights.
- Use fans and wet clothes. Take bath in cold water.
- Take only cold water in your workplace.
- Those who have to work in the open areas must take care to avoid direct exposure to the sun.
- Avoid doing strenuous work during the hottest part of the day postpone them later when the intensity of heat gets down.
- Remember to take more rest in case your work is in the open areas.
- Pregnant women and employees taking medical treatment must take extra care to avoid the intensity of heat.
Donts
- Do not keep children or pets in parked vehicles.
- Avoid going out between 12.00 Noon and 3.00 PM.
- Avoid wearing black (and dark-coloured), heavy, or tight dresses.
- Avoid strenuous at the peak hot periods.
- When it gets quite hot, avoid doing cooking work. Keep the kitchen doors and windows open.
- Avoid taking drinks which will reduce the body water content like tea, coffee, alcoholic beverages, and cool drinks.
- Avoid food items with high-protein content and also old unprocessed food items.