Tips for staying safe during a heatwave

Bangladesh is experiencing mild to moderate heatwave over many parts including Rangpur, Rajshahi, Mymensingh, Dhaka, Khulna, Barishal, Chattogram and Sylhet divisions for the last some days.

The country's maximum temperature on Sunday was recorded at 39.8 degrees Celsius at Khulna.

The heat can cause problems even at home or out and about.

Extreme temperatures can be particularly dangerous for some people, and sustained hot weather like the heatwaves we have experienced in recent years can trigger health problems unless care is taken to keep cool.

According to the National Health Service (NHS) summer health pages or Met Office's heat health pages of the United Kingdom, there are some tips about how to enjoy the sunshine without feeling unwell.

How to keep cool…

It's good to be prepared. Stay up to date with the weather forecast for what the temperature will be and make plans accordingly. Ask a family member, friend or neighbour to help you if you are unable to get out.

Follow some of these tips to make sure you keep cool and stay safe during a heatwave.

...At home

If possible, make sure you have stocked up on food and drinks before the hot weather arrives so you don't need to go out in the day

Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, which is typically between 11 am and 3 pm.

Keep cool by splashing yourself with water throughout the day, or even have a cold bath or shower.

Keep rooms in the house as cool as possible by closing blinds and curtains to keep the sun out and only open windows when it is cool enough outside to do so.

If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping

Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. Water, lower-fat milks and tea and coffee are good options.

…When out and about

Dress appropriately for the weather, wear airy, light clothing, preferably made of cotton

Wear light-coloured clothing

Use high-factor sun cream if you're likely to be exposed to direct sunlight

Where possible stay in the shade

Take a bottle of water with you

If you use a wheelchair take an umbrella or sunshade to protect you from exposure to direct sunlight

If you can try to make journeys outside for shopping, gardening or walking the dog in the evenings when its cooler.

Stay hydrated

Hydration is important at any time of the year, but especially during hot weather. 

The key is to drink regularly throughout the day (at least 6-8 mugs), drink plenty of fluids such as water, diluted squash and fruit juice to stay hydrated. If you're active, or if the weather is particularly hot, you should increase your fluid intake.

Here are some useful hints and tips to ensure you and your family stay hydrated during the hot weather:

If you have difficulty moving around (or you have pain) you may avoid getting up to get a drink, so make sure you ask someone to place plenty of water or other soft drinks within reach

Water doesn't have to come from a glass or bottle, lots of foods, including fruits and salads contain water to help you stay hydrated

Offer people a drink, don't wait to be asked

Make drinks more exciting.

Fill a bottle of water and carry it with you when you go out. One reason we don't drink enough fluids is because we don't have water (or a drink) with us. Keeping a bottle to hand will help keep you hydrated.

Always re-fill your glass or water bottle. You're more likely to drink more if you see water in front of you rather than an empty glass.

Freeze little bits of lemon and lime or your favourite fruit and use these as ice cubes in your water for a refreshing summer time treat.

Use a chart to record daily the number of drinks you have. We've created this useful water chart for you to download which will help you to keep track.

For more information, see our guide on hydration.

Please exercise your common sense when considering this guide and whether to take any of the steps that may be suggested in it. Whilst we have taken reasonable care to ensure that any factual information is accurate and complete, most of the information in this guide is based on our views and opinions (and sometimes the views and opinions of the people or organisations we work with). As a result, we cannot make any promises about the accuracy or the completeness of the information and we don't accept any responsibility for the results of your reliance on it.

Meanwhile, Dr Lelin Chowdhury, chairman of Health and Hope Hospital and a preventive medicine expert, suggested avoiding sun, taking a heavy quantity of water and liquid food, taking or-saline after sweating and reducing quick walk or run in sun to stay healthy during heatwave.

If anyone feels unwell after going to sun, he/she should take rest under shadow, suggested the physician adding that otherwise there could be the possibility of heatstroke.

"Besides, we should avoid taking any drink or juice from roadside vans, as the water which is used in making this juice is not pure," Dr Lenin suggested.

He also said to be careful about old people so that they do not go outside in the sun.