UT issues heat wave advisory, lists relief measures

Chandigarh: The UT administration issued a heat wave advisory on Friday and specified department responsibilities.

For the district disaster management unit, the advisory has stipulated real-time surveillance and evaluation of the weather station, dissemination of information received from the IMD to the public, including communicating alerts to ward councillors, disseminating heat-health warning, determine threshold for action and communicating the risks and coordination among stakeholders, including non-government and civil society. Religious places may also be involved to step up efforts, for instance distributing fresh drinking water to people.

The health department has been directed to ensure 24X7 heat health facilities with adequate provision of basic medicine like ORS, glucose etc. At all health institutions, earmarked beds are to be kept in readiness at a cool well-ventilated space. Sensitisation of all categories of health personnel on heat stress disorders, prevention and management is to be done.