LEGAZPI CITY (PIA5/Albay) —Legazpi City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Miladee N. Azur shared safety recommendations in light of the the prolonged days of scorching heat, 

Given the prevailing high heat index experienced nationwide, it is currently not advisable to engage in direct sun exposure.

"We should  not stay under the sun, if we have [outdoor] activities, do it early in the morning most probably before 9AM or 10AM, or in the afternoon around 4PM or 5PM,’’ Legazpi City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer Miladee N. Azur said.

Individuals with necessary outdoor activities should take note of safety precautions.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) defined heat index as ’’a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body's ability to cool itself.’’

Effects

Legazpi DRRMO announced that they have observed increasing heat indices in the city through their own automated weather station.

‘’Its effect is intense heat of our environment because the factors are a play of air temperature, air surface temperature and humidity or air moisture,’’ Azur said.

Azur clarified that the hot weather  does not mean that the city is already in the dry season.

‘’If you observe we are also experiencing rain but it also aggravates [the heat index] because it increases the humidity. Increasing humidity and temperature is equal to higher heat indices,’’ said Azur.

PAGASA categorized the potential effects of heat index to the body when it reaches the following temperatures:

• 27°C to 32°C – Caution
                    -Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure and activity.
                    -Continuing activity could result in heat cramps.
• 32°C to 41°C – Extreme Caution
                    -Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible.
                    -Continuing activity could result in heat stroke.
• 41°C to 54°C – Danger
                    -Heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely.
                    -Heat stroke is probable with continued activity.
• Over 54°C – Extreme Danger
                    - Heat stroke is imminent.

PAGASA reported that Legazpi City reached 50°C as its highest computed heat index on May 12 followed by 49°C on May 17 which was in ‘Danger’ level.

Extreme heat is harmful specially to infants or children and senior citizens with probable co-morbidities.

What to do?

Azur  suggested that the following tips be observed: 

• Drink pure water regularly. Avoid drinking soda drinks, alcohol, and coffee.
• Eat healthy and easily digestible foods such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid eating food such as meat because it can increase metabolic heat. 
• Damp water or a wet towel in your body.
• Wear cool clothing and put on a cover if you will be going outside.

Azur highlighted that,‘’We should stay under the shade as much as possible.’’ (PIA 5/Albay)