DUBAI/SHARJAH: The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) on Monday issued guidelines via social media to stay healthy and safe during the heatwave. The ministry urged residents to follow these prescribed precautionary measures both indoors and outdoors.
Monitor the weather: Check the weather forecast regularly to stay updated on expected high temperatures and heatwave warnings.
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First aid kit essentials: Make sure your first aid kit contains oral rehydration salts, a thermometer, multiple water bottles, cooling cloths, a fan, or a battery-operated water sprayer.
Heat Stress Guidebook: Keep a guidebook on hand for recognizing and treating symptoms of heat stress.
Emergency Contacts: Record contact details for your nearest health center or emergency services.
Block out the sun: Use shades or curtains to block out the sun during peak hours. Open windows at night to allow cooler air to circulate throughout your home.
Use cooling devices: Use fans and air conditioners to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Avoid extreme heat: Unless absolutely necessary, avoid going outside during the hottest times of the day.
Best timing for activity: Plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
Protect your skin: Apply moisturizer and sunscreen before going outside to protect your skin from UV rays.
Sun Protection: Wear a hat or use an umbrella to avoid direct sunlight.
Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly to stay hydrated.
Appropriate clothing: Wear light, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to keep you cool.
Cooling accessories: Carry a water bottle and a small cloth. Place a damp cloth around your neck to keep cool.
Hydrating foods: Eat fruits and vegetables that are high in water content such as watermelon, oranges, strawberries, tomatoes and cucumbers to help hydrate your body.
What is a heat wave?
Earlier this month, the Meteorological Agency explained that heat waves are a natural weather phenomenon caused by warm air being trapped in the atmosphere.
The ministry noted that climate change is making typhoons more intense and frequent, causing health problems.
But it has become clear that heat waves do not just happen out of nowhere.
A heatwave occurs when temperatures exceed the average for several consecutive days, and high humidity can make the temperature feel worse, making it feel much hotter than it actually is, the weather agency explained.
Those most vulnerable to heat waves are pregnant women, infants, children, the elderly, and outdoor workers.
Preventing heatstroke
The Ministry of Health announced on Monday that 3,300 construction workers have benefited from free health checks and first aid training through a heatstroke prevention campaign that was launched on July 1. Under the slogan “Your safety is our goal”, the campaign was launched in coordination with the Sharjah Supreme Council for Family Affairs, together with government, municipal and private sector partners.
The campaign includes health checks, educational lectures, gift distribution, and first aid training. It also provides prevention guidance and distribution of necessary supplies, as well as free health checks and consultations for early detection and appropriate treatment of heat stroke. It also aims to provide advice to employers who are working hard to prevent heat stroke during the summer to protect their workers from heat stroke.
According to MoHAP, the campaign has so far covered Al Hamriyah, Al Dhayd and Kalba universities, as well as cultural and sports clubs in these areas. It will run until August 15, targeting a total of 6,000 workers in different areas of Sharjah.