Odisha on 'Red Box' look out....

This is for all of you who reside particularly in the Dhenkanal, Angul, Talcher belt- well it actually goes out for every one in Odisha, I request you to take the 'Red Box' warning of Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) with utmost seriousness. The look out has been put up for May 26 & 27, 2015. Well there is no need to panic, all one needs is a little bit of extra care. The 'Red Box' warning by the IMD means that the atmospheric temp. may go beyond 45°C.

Here are a few tips which you might find handy-

Take advantage of the mercies of water. Fill buckets and soak your feet. Wet towels can have a cooling effect when worn on the shoulders or head. Take cool baths (make sure not to use overhead tank water during the day as the tank as well as water pipes must have got hot) , and consider using a spray bottle filled with cold water for refreshing spritzes throughout the day.

Remember to maintain an adequate level of hydration, which means you'll need to consume more water than you usually do when it's hot. If you're sweating profusely, you will also need to replace electrolytes by eating a small amount of food with your water or by drinking specially-formulated electrolyte replacement drinks (electrol or ors etc). Thirst is the first sign of dehydration; you should drink sufficient amounts of fluids before you feel thirsty in order to prevent dehydration.

Head downstairs. Since hot air rises, the upper stories of a home will be warmer than the ground floor. A basement can be a cool refuge from the midday heat.

Wearing loose fitting cotton clothing will be of good help.

Eliminate extra sources of heat. Incandescent light bulbs can generate unnecessary heat, as can computers or appliances left running. Eat fresh foods that do not require you to use the oven or stove to prepare.

Use ceiling fans to promote air circulation throughout your home. Opening doors in the house and using stand fans to push hot air outdoors can function as an "exhaust" system and draw cooler evening air into the house. In the cooler evenings, open all windows and promote as much air circulation as possible. When the sun rises, close all doors and windows, making sure to close curtains or you could choose to blind the day light openings of your home with old newspapers, to keep the indoors cool for as long as possible. Once the outside air cools to a lower temperature than inside (usually in the evenings or at night), open up the windows and turn on the fans again.

Avoid alcoholic beverages and caffeine, as both of these substances can act as diuretics and promote dehydration.

For a homemade "air conditioning" system, sit in the path of a stand fan that is aimed at an open cooler, or pan filled with ice.

Try to visit public buildings with air conditioning during the hottest hours of the day if the heat becomes unbearable. Libraries, shopping malls, and movie theaters can all be good places to cool down. Unfortunately these facilities are not available in many parts of Odisha. Then I suggest visiting the district collector's office will be a good idea provided the electricity supply to the same is intact.Now a days Odisha is facing acute short supply of electricity and the same is due to a scam by the Government of Odisha which I will elucidate upon very soon in another write.

Don't eat large, protein-rich meals that can increase metabolic heat and warm the body.

Be able to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and true heat emergencies (heat cramps, heat rash, heat exhaustion, heat stroke). Call emergency services in the event of a heat emergency (call 108) and try to cool the victim until help arrives.

Here are some signs to look out for if one should have got a heat stroke :

Irritable skin, nausea, twitching muscles,vomiting and a dazed look.

I once again request you to take the 'Red Box' lookout by IMD very seriously, not to panic and to take good care of your self as well as of your loved ones.