EC Shares Dos And Don'ts As IMD Predicts Heatwave During Lok Sabha Polls. Check Details

ECI shared a list of dos and don'ts issued by the National Disaster Management Department after IMD predicted that the Lok Sabha polls will likely be held amidst heatwave in the country.

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The Election Commission of India on Tuesday shared an advisory after the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted that the country might experience above-normal temperatures during the summer season this year, leading to stronger and longer spells of heatwave from March-June, coinciding with the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. 

While sharing the weather outlook for the next three months, IMD had warned of a possible heatwave in most parts of India. IMD Director General Mrutynjay Mohapatra stated: "During March-April 2024, above-normal number of heatwaves are likely over most parts of the country." He added that the western Himalayas, parts of peninsular India, and north-east India would be spared of it.

Following IMD's prediction, the ECI shared a detailed advisory, including a list of dos and don'ts issued by the National Disaster Management Department (NDMA) in order to minimise the impact of the heat wave and prevent physiological strain which could even result in death.

Here is the list of Dos and Don'ts: 

• Avoid going out in the sun between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm.
• Avoid strenuous activities when the temperature is high outside, especially between 12:00 noon and 3:00 pm.
• Carry water with you while travelling.
• Drink sufficient water even if you are not feeling thirsty.
• Wear light-coloured, lightweight, loose, and porous cotton clothes.
• Use an umbrella, hat, protective goggles, shoes, or chappals while going out in the sun.
• Avoid drinking drinks like tea, coffee, alcohol, and carbonated soft drinks, as they dehydrate the body.
• Avoid eating high-protein food and stale food.
• If working outside, use an umbrella or a hat, and also use a damp cloth on your head, neck, face, and limbs.
• Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles. 
• See a doctor immediately if you feel faint or ill.
• Use ORS, homemade drinks like lassi, lemon water, torani (rice water), buttermilk, etc., to rehydrate the body.
• Keep animals in a shade and give them plenty of water to drink.
• Use curtains, shutters, or sunshades and open windows at night to keep your home cool.
• Use fans, and damp clothing and take a bath in cold water frequently.

The advisory also mentioned a few tips to treat a person affected by a sunstroke. Here are the steps to follow as stated in the advisory:

• Lay the person under a shade in a cool place. Wipe her or him with a wet cloth or wash the body frequently.
• Pour normal temperature water on the person's head as the main aim is to bring the body temperature down.
• Give ORS drink or lemon water or or whatever is useful to rehydrate the body.
• Take the person to the nearest health centre immediately as the patient needs to be hospitalised since heat strokes could be fatal.