Annexure - Wardha District

o Heat exhaustion - Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or works in a hot,
humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the
skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a
form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim's condition will worsen. Body
temperature will keep rising and the victim may suffer heat stroke.
o Heat stroke - Heat stroke is life-threatening. The victim's temperature control
system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body
temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is
not cooled quickly.
o Sun stroke - Another term for heat stroke.
b) Consider the following preparedness measures for extreme heat.
• Install air cooler/air conditioners snugly, insulate if necessary.
• Close any floor heat registers nearby and uses a circulating or box fan to spread
cool air.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered cardboard, to reflect
heat back outside
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades,
awnings or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a
home by up to 80 percent.
During extreme heat
• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.
• Remember that electric fans do not cool; they just blow hot air around.
• Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed
to do so by a physician.
• Drink plenty of water regularly even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, are on fluid-restrictive
diets, or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before
increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. Although beer and alcoholic beverages appear
to satisfy thirst, they actually cause further body dehydration.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Dress in loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Lightweight,
light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal body
temperature.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool itself. Use a
sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating 15 or greater.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system
when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.
• Spend at least two hours per day in an air-conditioned/air cooled place.
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