In the year 2015 heat wave caused the deaths of approximately 2,500 people during the summer months and dry season that lasts from March to July in India. The 2015 heat wave has had the highest recorded temperatures since 1995. This year there is a possibility of a severe heat wave that may affect the regions of Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jaharkhand, West Bengal, UP and Maharashtra.
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Urgent action needed to tackle climate change’s ‘silent killer’: heatwaves Do's and Don't during Heat Wave [Leaflet] |
Small and Simple Actions to
Address Heat Wave
A Heat Wave is a period of unusual high temperatures (more than 40 and 45*C) that typically happens in India between March and June.
- Does
Avoid dehydration
Hand out water during public events and in traffic jams. Remind children, elderly people and other vulnerable groups whose ability to recognize their own thirst may be limited to drink water and soup regularly. Involve youth to support with extra care and activities in communities. Eat light meals and fruits rich in water content like melons, cucumber, citrus fruits, aam panna, bel sharbat, jal jeera, chaas or lassi.
Protect from the sun
Use sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, umbrellas, especially during peak hours. Use wet towels to have a cooling effect when worn on the shoulders, neck and head.
Stay cool
Use fans and ceiling fans to have some air circulation throughout your home; eliminate extra sources of heat (incandescent light bulbs, computers, etc). Keep your home cool, use curtains, sunshade and keep open windows at night to have adequate ventilation. Stay at home during peak hours. Listen to weather forecasts and be aware of temperature changes.
In case of symptoms of heat-related illnesses, consult a doctor:
Heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion and heat strokes are symptoms of heat-related illnesses. The signs of the symptoms are:
Heat Cramps: Ederna (Swelling) and Syncope (Fainting), usually accompanied by fever
Heat Exhaustion: Fatigue, weakneses, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and sweating
Hat Stoke: body temperatures of 40*C or more with delirium, seizures or coma. In case of heat stroke, get the person into a shady area and make the person lie down with feet slightly elevated. Wipe the body with a wet towel and five him/her ORS/lemon water or juice to re-hydrate the body. Take the person to the nearest health canter if symptoms do not improve in one hour
- Don’ts
Don’t eat food that is high in proteins, such as meat and nuts.
Proteins increase metabolic heat and warm your body.
Don’t go out in the hot sun
As far as possible, try to be at home or at the office during the hottest hours of the day
Don’t drink alcoholic drinks and caffeine
Both of these substances can act as diuretics and promote dehydration.
Never leave children and pets alone in parked vehicle
Remind children to drink regularly and don’t leave them alone in a parked car. Keep animals in shade, give them a cool bath or shower and give them sufficient water to drink.