...Heat WavePrecautions needed to survive the prevailing weather conditions
With heat wave searing the skin across the country, international and local emergency agencies have issued guides what to do to avoid heat stroke.
The cautions have come from both the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF).
NiMET for example, worries that Nigerians in Abuja, and the northern states particularly are at greater risk of heat stroke due to the scorching heat waves, because of their geographical locations.
The Eagle reports that heat stroke, also known as sunstroke, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the body is unable to control its temperature, exactly the situation in many areas of the country, albeit the world currently.
NiMET had actually listed 6 April, as a day that residents of these states might suffer extreme heat, which would make them prone to heat-induced conditions.
Its advisory yesterday, had classified the 36 states into 5 categories: Normal, Caution, Extreme Caution, Danger and Extreme Danger, based on the degree of heat waves expected.
Abuja, Kano, Sokoto, and Kogi states are categorised under Extreme Danger, and residents were advised to take precautionary steps as they were likely to experience heat or sunstroke.
Other states in the category are Kebbi, Katsina, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba, Niger, Zamfara, Nasarawa, Jigawa, Benue, and Kwara.
On the other hand, NiMET warned Osun, Ekiti, Ondo, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Anambra, Delta, Enugu, Edo, Ogun, Plateau, Borno, Imo, Abia, and Cross River to be prepared for increased heat waves, with less possibility of heat stroke.
This is coming amidst week-long rises in temperatures levels to about 40°C in some parts of the country, and all other parts of the country are expected to observe the safety conditions.
NiMET, in February, predicted that temperatures would hit 41°C in the North and 39°C in the South on some days between March and May.
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This, according to the agency, will result in dehydration, which could cause fainting, chickenpox, measles and heat rashes. People could also experience heat-related illnesses such as respiratory issues and increased vulnerability to chronic conditions.
Heat Wave
People trying to cool off an extreme weather
The implication is for people to prepare long running adverse weather effects.
How To Cope With The Heat Wave And Avoid Heat Stroke
Consult weather reports to know how hot and humid it is going to get today, this week and this month to help plan outside activities.
Keep an emergency kit at home that contains oral rehydration salt (ORS) packets, a thermometer, water bottles, towels or cloths to wet for cooling, a handheld fan or mister with batteries, and a checklist to identify and treat symptoms of heat stress.
Know how to get help. Note down the contact information for the nearest health care provider or ambulance/transport services.
Keep your home cool, by closing the curtains during the hottest parts of the day and opening windows at night time to cool down the house.
Use fans and coolers if available.
Stay out of the heat – Do not go outside during the hottest times of the day if you can avoid it. Try to arrange your activities earlier or later in the day when it is cooler.
When outside, wear sunscreen and try to stay in the shade or use hats and umbrellas for protection.
Stay cool and hydrated by drinking water at regular intervals before you are thirsty.
Overdressing in the heat can make you dehydrated and hotter faster, so wear light and loose clothes. Cotton is ideal during hot days to help reduce heat rashes and absorb sweating. Similarly, cotton bed sheets are recommended over non-breathable materials.
Carry a water bottle and a small towel, so you can hydrate and cool down by placing a wet towel on your neck.eagle
