The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has issued an advisory urging residents to guard against heatstroke as temperatures climb across the state. In its warning, the civic body described a heat wave as a 'silent disaster' that typically occurs in the pre-monsoon months from March to June.
Criteria for Declaring a Heat Wave
According to the NMMC, a heat wave is declared when temperatures remain 3 degrees Celsius above the usual maximum for three consecutive days, or exceed 45 degrees Celsius for two consecutive days. The corporation emphasized that heat waves can cause serious harm to humans, birds, animals, and plants.
Warning Signs of Heatstroke
The NMMC listed several warning signs of heatstroke, including intense heat and heavy sweating that may later stop, leaving the skin hot and dry; exhaustion and dizziness, such as extreme weakness or fainting; severe headache accompanied by nausea or vomiting; painful muscle cramps in the arms and legs; and a dangerously high body temperature.
Immediate Care Measures
For immediate care, the NMMC advised moving the affected person to a shaded or cool area, lowering body temperature with cold compresses or by wiping with a wet cloth, and, if possible, giving a cold-water bath. To prevent dehydration, it recommended drinking plenty of water even without thirst and taking fluids such as ORS, lemon syrup, buttermilk, turmeric water, or lassi.
Safety Measures to Follow
The advisory outlined several safety measures to beat the heat:
- Avoid going outdoors between noon and 4 pm
- Wear loose, light-coloured clothing and use a hat or umbrella
- Plan outdoor work before 10 am or after 4 pm
- Eat water-rich seasonal produce like watermelon, cantaloupe, oranges, grapes, pineapple, cucumber, and lettuce
- Avoid strenuous work in direct sunlight
The NMMC also advised residents to drink adequate water and fluids such as buttermilk, lemon water, and coconut water, and to carry water while travelling. Special care should be taken of children, pregnant women, and older adults. Residents were urged not to walk barefoot on hot surfaces and never to leave children or pets in a locked car. Public events and sports venues should provide water and not be in direct sunlight.
The corporation appealed to residents to make small daily adjustments, follow these precautions, and seek help at the nearest Urban Primary Health Centre or hospital if heat stroke symptoms appear.
