In view of the increasing heat in Haryana, the government has issued a guideline. It says that women should not cook food during the peak hours of heat. Along with this, it is also said that keep drinking water even if you are not thirsty.
The government has instructed all the DCs of all the districts to actively promote “what to do and what not to do” to protect against heat in their respective districts. Ensure that adequate measures are taken to reduce the ill effects of heat on people and animals. Weather experts say that the temperature is expected to reach 48 degrees today.
Advice to wear loose cotton clothes
The government’s guidelines advise wearing light-colored loose and perforated cotton clothes, as well as using protective equipment or items like sunglasses, umbrella, turban/scarf, cap, shoes or slippers when going out.
Those working outside are advised to wear a hat or umbrella and keep a wet cloth on the head, neck, face and soft parts of the body. He has said that rehydration is important, and make plenty of use of ORS and homemade drinks like lassi, lemonade and buttermilk.
DCs in districts will have to do these things
Home Department ACS Dr Sumita Mishra has asked the DCs of the districts to ensure adequate drinking water in public places, launch intensive public awareness campaigns about heat protection measures, ensure adequate medical supplies for heat stroke patients up to the primary health center level and issue advisories regarding working hours for manual laborers, hawkers, vendors and rickshaw pullers during peak hours of heat wave.
To reduce the impact caused by heat stroke and prevent serious illness or death, Dr Mishra has urged people to follow comprehensive rules and suggestions of “what to do and what not to do”.
Instructions to keep saline solution in hospitals
To effectively deal with dehydration, all Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Community Health Centres (CHCs) have been instructed to keep themselves fully equipped with adequate saline solution and enough beds. He has advised citizens to drink enough water even if they are not thirsty and carry water while travelling. Seek medical advice in such circumstances.
Dr Mishra also highlighted the importance of recognising the symptoms of heat-related illnesses such as weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, sweating and seizures, and urged people to immediately seek medical help if they feel faint or sick.
The safety of vulnerable creatures is a priority, so it is advisable to keep animals in the shade and give them plenty of water. It is also advisable to keep houses cool by using curtains, shutters or sunshades during the day. Pregnant women workers and people with medical conditions need extra attention.
Women should not cook during peak hours of heat
Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid cooking during peak hours of heat. If necessary, it is advisable to keep cooking areas adequately ventilated. Alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks should be avoided as these dehydrate the body. Working hours should be rescheduled to avoid peak heat hours to protect the health of workers and increase productivity, Dr Mishra said.
The Labour Department was also directed to coordinate with the Health Department to organise health camps, especially in informal areas and settlements, and ensure that emergency medical assistance is readily available at work places to deal with heat-related illnesses.