Do’s

For general population

Stay hydrated:

-Drink sufficient water whenever possible, even if you are not thirsty.

Thirst is not a good indicator of dehydration.

-Carry drinking water when travelling.

-Use Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS), and consume homemade drinks like lemon water, buttermilk/lassi, fruit juices with some added salt.

-Eat seasonal fruits and vegetables with high water content like watermelon, musk melon, orange, grapes, pineapple, cucumber, lettuce or other locally available fruits and vegetables.

Stay covered:

-Wear thin loose, cotton garments preferably light coloured.

-Cover your head: use an umbrella, hat, cap, towel and other traditional head gears during exposure to direct sunlight.

-Wear shoes or chappals while going out in the sun.

Stay alert:

-Listen to the Radio; watch TV; read the Newspaper for local weather news.

-Get the latest update on weather on India Meteorological Department (IMD) website at https://mausam.imd.gov.in.

Stay indoors/in the shade as much as possible:

-In well-ventilated and cool places.

-Block direct sunlight and heat waves: Keep windows and curtains closed during the day, especially on the sunny side of your house. Open them up at night to let cooler air in.

-If going outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to cooler times of the day i.e., morning and evening.

-Reschedule or plan outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day.

Don’ts

-Avoid getting out in the sun, especially between 12:00 noon and 03:00 pm.

-Avoid strenuous activities when outside in the afternoon.

-Do not go out barefoot.

-Avoid cooking during peak summer hours. Open doors and windows to ventilate the cooking area adequately.

-Avoid alcohol, tea, coffee and carbonated soft drinks or drinks with large amounts of sugar- as these actually, lead to loss of more body fluid or may cause stomach cramps.

-Avoid high-protein food and do not eat stale food.

-Do not leave children or pets in parked vehicles. The temperature inside a vehicle could get dangerous.