# Heatwave Alert: Precautions and Relief Measures You Should Know
The mercury is soaring across India. Delhi is already touching 39.8°C, and forecasts show temperatures climbing to 43.1°C in the coming days. Chennai, Kolkata, and other cities are also bracing for extreme heat. If you think this is just another summer, think again. Heatwaves kill more people in India than any other natural disaster, according to the National Crime Records Bureau.
This article will help you understand what a heatwave really means, how to protect yourself and your family, and what relief measures the government has arranged. Whether you work outdoors, stay at home, or care for elderly parents, these practical tips can save lives.
What Exactly Is a Heatwave?
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) declares a heatwave based on two conditions. First, when the maximum temperature reaches at least 40°C in plains, 37°C in coastal areas, or 30°C in hilly regions. Second, when the temperature is 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal for that region and season.
A severe heatwave happens when temperatures rise more than 6.4°C above normal, or when the maximum crosses 47°C in plains.
Looking at current data, Delhi is heading toward severe heatwave conditions. The forecast shows 43.1°C by May 21. Chennai will touch 41°C, and Kolkata will reach 40.7°C. These are not just big numbers. At these temperatures, your body struggles to cool itself, especially if humidity is high.
Who Faces the Highest Risk?
Not everyone suffers equally during heatwaves. Certain groups need extra protection:
Outdoor workers like construction laborers, farmers, delivery personnel, and traffic police spend hours under direct sun. They face the highest risk of heat stroke and dehydration.
Children below five years cannot regulate body temperature as effectively as adults. Their smaller body mass makes them vulnerable to rapid dehydration.
Elderly people above 60 years often have existing health conditions like diabetes or heart disease. Heat puts additional strain on their bodies.
Pregnant women need more water and rest during extreme heat. High temperatures can affect both mother and baby.
People with chronic illnesses including heart disease, kidney problems, or respiratory conditions must take extra care. Heat can worsen these conditions quickly.
Warning Signs Your Body Is Overheating
Many people ignore early symptoms until it becomes an emergency. Learn to recognize these danger signs:
Heat cramps start with muscle pain and spasms, usually in legs, arms, or stomach. This means your body is losing salt and water through sweat.
Heat exhaustion shows up as heavy sweating, weakness, cold and clammy skin, fast but weak pulse, nausea, and fainting. Your body temperature may rise to 40°C.
Heat stroke is life-threatening. Body temperature shoots above 40°C. Skin becomes hot and dry. The person may stop sweating altogether. Confusion, slurred speech, seizures, or loss of consciousness can occur. This needs immediate medical attention.
Practical Precautions Everyone Should Take
Water and Hydration
Drink water even before you feel thirsty. During extreme heat, your body needs 3 to 4 liters of water daily. If you work outdoors, increase this to 5 to 6 liters.
Carry a water bottle everywhere. Set reminders on your phone to drink every hour.
Add oral rehydration solution (ORS) to your water once or twice daily. You can make this at home: mix 6 teaspoons of sugar and half teaspoon of salt in 1 liter of clean water. This replaces lost salts better than plain water.
Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee, and aerated drinks. These actually increase dehydration.
Eat water-rich foods like cucumber, watermelon, buttermilk, coconut water, and curd. These provide both hydration and essential minerals.
Clothing and Sun Protection
Wear loose, light-colored cotton clothes. Dark colors absorb heat. Tight clothes trap heat and sweat against your skin.
Cover your head with a cotton cap, towel, or umbrella when going outside. Use sunglasses to protect your eyes.
Apply sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin, even if you have dark skin. Reapply every 2 to 3 hours if you stay outdoors.
Timing Your Activities
Avoid going out between 12 noon and 3 PM. This is when the sun is strongest. If you must go out, take frequent breaks in shade.
Schedule heavy work, exercise, or travel for early morning (before 10 AM) or late evening (after 5 PM).
Farmers should consider working in fields during cooler hours only. The Ministry of Agriculture has issued advisories recommending this shift in several states.
Keeping Your Home Cool
Close windows, curtains, and blinds during the hottest part of the day. This blocks heat from entering.
Open windows at night to let cool air in. Create cross-ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of your house.
Use wet curtains or hang wet cotton sheets in doorways. As water evaporates, it cools the air.
Sleep on the floor if upper floors become too hot. Heat rises, so ground floors stay relatively cooler.
If you have a cooler or AC, set it at 25°C. Lower temperatures waste electricity and make the transition outdoors harder for your body.
Take cool showers twice or thrice daily. This brings down body temperature quickly.
Sprinkle water on the roof, courtyard, or terrace during evening. This cools the building.
Special Care for Vulnerable Groups
For Children
Never leave children in parked vehicles, even for 2 minutes. Car interiors can reach 60°C within minutes.
Dress children in single-layer cotton clothes. Check on them every hour for signs of discomfort.
Give children water every 30 minutes. Add ORS if they play outdoors.
Avoid outdoor play between 11 AM and 4 PM. Keep them indoors with activities like reading, drawing, or indoor games.
For Elderly People
Check on elderly family members or neighbors at least twice daily. They may not realize they are dehydrated.
Ensure they drink water regularly, even if they do not feel thirsty. Elderly people often have reduced thirst sensation.
Keep their medicines in cool, dry places. Some medications become less effective in heat.
Help them take cool sponge baths if full bathing is difficult.
For Outdoor Workers
Take a 10-minute break in shade every hour. This prevents heat buildup in your body.
Drink water every 20 to 30 minutes, not just when thirsty. Keep ORS packets with you.
Wear head covering and full-sleeved cotton shirts despite the heat. This protects from direct sun exposure.
Inform your supervisor immediately if you feel dizzy, nauseous, or see spots. Do not try to push through these symptoms.
Eat light meals. Heavy food increases body heat during digestion.
Government Relief Measures and Schemes
Heat Action Plans
Many states have activated Heat Action Plans. These include:
Early warning systems: IMD issues heatwave alerts 3 to 5 days in advance. These reach you through SMS, radio, TV, and mobile apps.
Cool shelters: Municipal corporations set up air-conditioned community centers, libraries, and government buildings as cooling centers. These are free to use.
Water distribution: Municipalities organize free drinking water stations at bus stops, railway stations, markets, and public places. Look for water tankers in your area.
Hospital preparedness: Government hospitals stock extra ORS, IV fluids, and ice packs. Separate heat stroke treatment corners are set up in emergency departments.
MGNREGA Timing Changes
The Ministry of Rural Development modifies MGNREGA working hours during heatwaves. Work hours shift to 6 AM to 12 noon in many districts. Check with your gram panchayat for local timings.
Workers still receive full day wages for these reduced hours. This protects rural workers while maintaining their income.
School Timing Adjustments
Many state governments have revised school timings. Some states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar start classes at 7 AM instead of the usual 9 AM.
Several states have also declared summer vacations early this year due to extreme heat predictions.
Free Electricity for Coolers
Some states provide additional free electricity units during summer months. Delhi offers 200 units free, which covers cooler usage for most households. Check your state electricity board website for such schemes.
Heatwave Insurance for Farmers
The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana now covers crop loss due to heatwave in many states. If
