7 April 2025 : In the first week of April, the heat has reached its peak and the chances of a heatwave have increased. In such conditions, the district administration has issued a heatwave alert and appealed to the general public to take certain precautions during the hot weather. Additionally, advice has been given on what to do and what to avoid in the event of a heatstroke.
The district administration of Gopalganj and the District Disaster Management Authority have urged the residents to be well-prepared to protect themselves from the hot winds and heatwaves, which can have adverse effects on the human body and sometimes even prove to be fatal.
Pay Special Attention to These 8 Tips:
- Drink water as often as possible. Always carry water with you while traveling and stay hydrated.
- When going out in the sun, wear light-colored, loose-fitting, cotton clothes. Use sunglasses, cover your head with a scarf or hat, and always wear shoes or slippers.
- Eat light meals and consume seasonal fruits with high water content such as watermelon, cucumber, muskmelon, oranges, etc.
- Regularly consume homemade drinks like buttermilk, salt-sugar solution, sherbet, lemon water, raw mango drink (aam panna), etc.
- Include raw onions, sattu (roasted gram flour), mint, fennel seeds, and poppy seeds in your daily diet.
- Ensure proper ventilation at night to let in fresh and cool air into your home.
- Stay informed about local weather forecasts and temperature changes through reliable sources.
- If you feel unwell or experience dizziness, seek medical help immediately. Also, keep animals in the shade and provide them with plenty of drinking water.
What to Do in Case of Heatstroke:
- Move the person suffering from heatstroke to a shaded area.
- If they are wearing tight clothing, loosen or remove them to help cool down the body.
In Case of Heatstroke:
- Wipe the body of the heatstroke-affected person with a cool, wet cloth or bathe them with cold water.
- Use a cooler, fan, etc., to lower their body temperature.
- Repeatedly place a wet and cold cloth on their neck, stomach, and head.
- Give them drinks like ORS, lemon water, salt-sugar solution, chaach (buttermilk), or sherbet to help replenish body fluids.
- If the person’s condition does not improve within an hour, take them to the nearest healthcare center immediately.
What Not to Do During a Heatwave:
- Avoid going out in intense sunlight as much as possible.
- Don’t engage in excessive physical labor during high temperatures.
- Reduce or avoid consumption of hot beverages like tea and coffee, and intoxicating substances like alcohol and tobacco.
- Cut down or avoid high-protein foods such as meat, eggs, and dry fruits, as they increase body temperature.
- If someone is vomiting or has fainted due to heat or heatstroke, do not give them anything to eat or drink.
- Never leave children alone in closed vehicles.
Summary: To stay safe during the heatwave, the Disaster Management Authority advises following 8 key precautions, including hydration, light clothing, and avoiding outdoor activity during peak hours.