<p>Bengaluru: Following India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts indicating high maximum temperature in Karnataka, the state government on Friday issued a circular with general instructions for people to protect themselves against adverse health impacts due to the heatwave.</p><p>Until May, there is a possibility that the state, particularly many districts in North Interior Karnataka, will see more than the projected two to 14 days with heatwave-like conditions. In this light, the government has suggested people to take precautionary measures, including avoiding stepping out between 12 noon and 3 pm, regularly drinking water, using clothing that offers protection from the sun, staying in well-ventilated areas, and avoiding alcohol, tea and coffee, to name a few.</p>.Ayush Ministry initiates sensitisation drive for heatwave prevention.<p>The circular asks people to avoid leaving children and pets in parked vehicles, ensure pets are well-hydrated and in shade, use shutters and sun shades, and consume seasonal fruits, vegetables, and fresh fruit juices.</p><p>District administrations have been instructed to keep an eye out for heat advisories issued by the IMD and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), besides any information from the health and revenue departments. Additionally, they must identify towns and villages most prone to high heat and the Urban Development and the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj departments must ensure drinking water availability there, especially in crowded places such as bus stands and markets.</p><p>Veterinary doctors must also restock on medication required to treat animals that might suffer from excessive heat. Tourists and vehicle users must take extra caution and travel with water, while district administrators must ensure community halls offer shade and must have doctors, ORS, and drinking water facilities, with resting areas for people.</p><p>Based on past incidents, they must also identify areas prone to water shortage and prepare accordingly, working with the respective departments to identify tankers and private borewells for water. Districts must also check water quality and fix any issues that might crop up.</p><p><br><strong>Health effects of heatwaves</strong><br>*Heat cramps, swelling, fainting<br>*Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea and vomiting<br>*Heat stroke, where the body temperature exceeds 40℃.</p><p><br><strong>First aid for someone suffering heat-related illnesses</strong><br>*Shift the person to a well-ventilated, shaded area and press a damp cloth on their body<br>*Give them oral rehydration solutions (ORS), lemon juice or butter milk<br>*Taking them to the hospital if the situation doesn’t improve or the person is unconscious<br>*Avoiding alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks</p><p><br><strong>Fire prevention strategies</strong><br>*Conducting frequent inspections and fire drills in hospitals, industries, public places.<br>*Conducting fire safety audits in all public spaces.</p>
<p>Bengaluru: Following India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecasts indicating high maximum temperature in Karnataka, the state government on Friday issued a circular with general instructions for people to protect themselves against adverse health impacts due to the heatwave.</p><p>Until May, there is a possibility that the state, particularly many districts in North Interior Karnataka, will see more than the projected two to 14 days with heatwave-like conditions. In this light, the government has suggested people to take precautionary measures, including avoiding stepping out between 12 noon and 3 pm, regularly drinking water, using clothing that offers protection from the sun, staying in well-ventilated areas, and avoiding alcohol, tea and coffee, to name a few.</p>.Ayush Ministry initiates sensitisation drive for heatwave prevention.<p>The circular asks people to avoid leaving children and pets in parked vehicles, ensure pets are well-hydrated and in shade, use shutters and sun shades, and consume seasonal fruits, vegetables, and fresh fruit juices.</p><p>District administrations have been instructed to keep an eye out for heat advisories issued by the IMD and the Karnataka State Natural Disaster Monitoring Centre (KSNDMC), besides any information from the health and revenue departments. Additionally, they must identify towns and villages most prone to high heat and the Urban Development and the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj departments must ensure drinking water availability there, especially in crowded places such as bus stands and markets.</p><p>Veterinary doctors must also restock on medication required to treat animals that might suffer from excessive heat. Tourists and vehicle users must take extra caution and travel with water, while district administrators must ensure community halls offer shade and must have doctors, ORS, and drinking water facilities, with resting areas for people.</p><p>Based on past incidents, they must also identify areas prone to water shortage and prepare accordingly, working with the respective departments to identify tankers and private borewells for water. Districts must also check water quality and fix any issues that might crop up.</p><p><br><strong>Health effects of heatwaves</strong><br>*Heat cramps, swelling, fainting<br>*Fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headaches, nausea and vomiting<br>*Heat stroke, where the body temperature exceeds 40℃.</p><p><br><strong>First aid for someone suffering heat-related illnesses</strong><br>*Shift the person to a well-ventilated, shaded area and press a damp cloth on their body<br>*Give them oral rehydration solutions (ORS), lemon juice or butter milk<br>*Taking them to the hospital if the situation doesn’t improve or the person is unconscious<br>*Avoiding alcohol, tea, coffee or carbonated drinks</p><p><br><strong>Fire prevention strategies</strong><br>*Conducting frequent inspections and fire drills in hospitals, industries, public places.<br>*Conducting fire safety audits in all public spaces.</p>
