Heat Wave: DHSK issues advisory for general public

Emran Hasan

Advises schools to refrain from holding assemblies, other outdoor activities

Srinagar, May 24 (KNO): Amid the intense heat wave, the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) here has issued an advisory for the general public, asking them to drink plenty of water and also advised the educational institutions to refrain from holding assemblies and other outdoor activities.

As per the advisory issued by Director Health Services Kashmir, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), educational institutions have been advised to refrain from holding assemblies and other outdoor activities.

The DHSK advised people to drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if they don’t feel thirsty.

“Avoid caffeinated beverages, as they can lead to dehydration. Persons working under the conditions of high temperature and humidity should assuredly drink cold water and the duration of exposure to hot environments should be reduced. Further, periods of rest should be ensured between intense work sessions or one can take cool showers or baths at home to lower your body temperature, however, doing the same in deep and fast flowing water bodies should be avoided at all cost to discourage drowning etc,” reads the advisory.

“People have been advised to wear lightweight, loose-fitting and light colored clothing. Use wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, shields and umbrellas to protect your skin from sunburn and avoid strenuous activities during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 AM to 04 PM. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade of a cool environment or better to stay indoors besides apply sunscreen to protect your skin from sunburn,” it added.

In special advisories, to school going children, parents have been advised to never leave children in parked cars with the windows downs, the advisory reads

“Never leave children in parked cars, even with the windows down. Ensure they play in shaded areas and take breaks to cool down and hydrate,” it reads.

They also have been advised to dress children in appropriate clothing and apply sunscreen regularly, Encourage frequent water breaks. “Offer water-rich snacks like fruits and Schools should refrain from holding outdoor activities such as assemblies, sports events during extreme hot and humid weather,” the DHSK said.

“They should also ensure good hydration of children by providing multiple safe drinking water stations. In specific advisory to elderly people, ensure they have access to cool environments and watch for symptoms like dizziness, heavy sweating or lack of sweating, and in that case, seek medical attention immediately from nearby Government Health Care Facilities,” the advisory reads.

“By following aforesaid guidelines, individuals can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses during extreme heat events” it added—(KNO)