PUBLIC ADVISORY

TIPS TO BEAT THE HEAT!!

The Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management (ODPM) has been advised by the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service to expect warmer than usual temperatures between September to November, with September expected to be the hottest month.

Therefore, the TTMS has advised that Trinidad and Tobago can expect an increase in the number of hot days with a maximum temperature greater than 33.9C in Trinidad and greater than 32.0C in Tobago.

On account of these warm dry spells and the possibility that persons could become overwhelmed with heat exposure, the ODPM wishes to provide the public with the following safety tips to help you beat the heat by staying cool and hydrated:

• Keep hydrated – drink two to four cups of water every hour.
• Avoid drinks with caffeine or large amounts of sugar.
• Limit your exposure to direct sunlight and curtail your outdoor activities to mornings and evenings.
• If direct sunlight cannot be avoided, rest often in a shaded area or if indoors, use fans or air-conditioning.
• Avoid strenuous activity during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
• When outdoors during the daytime, wear some form of head protection, preferably a wide-brimmed hat, to protect your head and face.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-coloured clothes and cover your arms where possible.
• Keep a check on older adults, children, and people with chronic medical conditions who may be more prone to the impacts of excessive heat.
• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

Remember, with increased temperatures and days of hot, dry conditions, let us be prepared, look out for each other, and use these tips to help you beat the heat.

To download the full version of the public advisory please click here. 

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Issued by:

Public Information, Education and Community Outreach Unit

Office of Disaster Preparedness and Management

For further information, please call:

ODPM’s Customer Call Centre 511/ TEMA’s Hotline 211