GCC Issues Heat Wave Advisory Amid Rising Temperatures

Chennai:As the city continues to reel under intense summer heat and rising temperatures, Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has stepped up measures to stay prepared and issued an extensive public advisory to help residents cope with heat-related illnesses.

The civic body officials said it has initiated multiple preventive measures through its public health department to mitigate the impact of extreme summer conditions and protect vulnerable sections of society from heat-related complications.

According to the officials, the normal human body temperature ranges around 37 degrees Celsius, but prolonged exposure to excessive environmental heat can disrupt the body’s cooling mechanisms. Excessive sweating and dehydration caused by high temperatures can lead to serious health concerns if not addressed promptly.

The Corporation warned that extreme heat may result in dehydration, loss of essential salts, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, reduced urination, fainting and other heat-related symptoms. Officials urged residents to remain vigilant and seek timely medical help if symptoms worsen.

Particular caution has been advised for vulnerable groups including infants, young children, pregnant women and elderly citizens, who are considered more susceptible to heat-related illnesses.

GCC has urged residents, especially outdoor workers, to stay hydrated by drinking water frequently even if they do not feel thirsty. Residents have also been advised to avoid hot beverages, but consume fluids such as buttermilk, rice gruel mixed with salt, tender coconut water, lemon juice with salt and oral rehydration solution (ORS) to maintain hydration levels.

Residents travelling outdoors have been advised to carry water bottles, use umbrellas, and cover their heads with cloth or caps while stepping out in the sun. Loose, light-coloured and breathable cotton clothing has also been recommended to minimise heat stress.

The authorities have further advised the public to avoid unnecessary travel during peak daytime heat and refrain from engaging in strenuous physical activities during hot hours. People feeling fatigued are encouraged to take rest in shaded or cooler spaces.

For households, the Corporation recommended keeping curtains closed during the day to block direct sunlight and opening windows during cooler night hours to improve ventilation.

GCC has also issued guidance on recognising signs of heat stress. People experiencing symptoms such as dizziness, excessive thirst, weakness, headaches or muscle cramps have been advised to immediately move to a cooler location and consume water, lemon juice or ORS.

In cases where a person faints due to heat exposure, the public has been instructed to immediately call an ambulance or seek medical assistance. The civic body recommended placing the affected person on their side, loosening tight clothing, applying cooling measures and ensuring proper airflow until help arrives.

Officials cautioned against administering aspirin or paracetamol in cases of severe heat-related illness without medical advice.

To handle a possible increase in heat-related health issues, the Corporation said its healthcare infrastructure has been placed on alert. A total of 140 urban primary health centres, 200 urban wellness centres, 16 urban community welfare centres, three maternity hospitals and an infectious disease hospital have been kept ready to provide treatment for heat-related ailments.

The officials added that sufficient stocks of medicines and nearly 1.34 lakh ORS packets have been stocked across facilities to manage dehydration and related illnesses.

The Corporation also highlighted the availability of 57 shelters across Chennai, where people exposed to severe heat can temporarily take refuge during peak temperature time.

GCC has appealed to residents, outdoor workers and travellers to strictly follow precautionary measures to stay safe during the ongoing summer season, warning that heatwave conditions may intensify further in the coming days