Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Services (TTMS) advised to expected warmer than usual temperatures between September to November. We experienced this yesterday with a ‘feels like’ heat index of 41°C to 43°C.
The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management yesterday offered the following safety tips for persons feeling overwhelmed with heat exposure.
- Keep hydrated – drink two to four cups of water every hour.
- Avoid drinks with caffeine or large amounts of sugar.
- Limit your exposure to direct sunlight and curtail your outdoor activities to early mornings and evenings.
- If direct sunlight cannot be avoided, rest often in shaded areas or indoors, use fans or air-conditioning.
- Avoid strenuous activity during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
- When outdoors during the daytime, wear some form of head protection, preferably a wide brimmed hat to protect your head and face.
- Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-coloured clothes and cover your arms where possible.
- Keep a check on older adults, children and people with chronic medical conditions who may be prone to the impacts of excessive heat.
- NEVER leave children and pets alone in closed vehicles.
- Make frequent checks on the elderly or disabled neighbours living alone.
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