Source: UN News: Saturday, June 27, 2026 00:01 AM
Heat waves are becoming increasingly more intense and dangerous, causing millions of deaths every year. The United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has given nine easy mantras to keep yourself and your home safe and cool in the scorching heat. There was a time when extreme heat events were rare, but now heat waves are becoming more frequent, more intense and more dangerous. are becoming. Because of these every year Nearly five lakh people died This week the temperature in Europe reached close to 40 degrees Celsius and media news According to the WHO, extreme heat warnings were issued in 26 countries. Extreme heat can pose a serious health risk, especially to the elderly, children, pregnant women, people working in open spaces and people with pre-existing medical conditions. Therefore, it is very important to prepare in advance to prevent this. © FAO/IFAD/WFP/Eduardo Sotera Extreme heat is now one of the most serious threats to farmers’ health, causing dehydration, kidney damage and chronic disease. United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has shared some easy tips to keep yourself and your home cool and safe in the scorching heat.1. Keep the house prepared for the scorching heat. If preparation is done in advance then it becomes easier to deal with the scorching heat. Keep an eye on weather forecasts and heat wave warnings to stay ahead of dangerous heat. Make sure fans, refrigerators and other cooling appliances are working properly. Keep drinking water and essential medicines in sufficient quantity. Also, if it gets very hot in the house, identify some cool place nearby.2. Prevent sunlight and heat from coming into the house by drawing curtains on sunny windows during the day. Screens, bamboo mats or trees outside the windows help prevent heat from coming in. If the outside temperature drops at night, open the windows opposite to each other, so that the heat accumulated in the house can escape. Close the windows again before morning, so that the cool air remains inside. © UNDP India Solar heat reflective tiles, XPS insulation, and double-glazed windows can reduce temperatures by more than 40%, reducing cooling needs and keeping the office cool. 3. Stay cool even without an air conditioner Air conditioners can save lives in extreme heat, but excessive use of less energy-efficient appliances increases both electricity demand and climate change. Therefore, wherever possible, adopt measures to keep the house naturally cool. Fans consume much less electricity than air conditioners and cool the body by increasing the flow of air. Traditional methods can also be useful. In many parts of South Asia, wet special mats are placed on windows, which cools the incoming air. Shade, cross ventilation, shutters, cool roofs and well-built buildings also keep the house cool and reduce the need for air conditioners.4. Keep drinking water and eat light food. Keep drinking water little by little throughout the day and do not wait until you feel thirsty. In extreme heat, dehydration in the body can happen quickly. Avoid drinking alcohol. Instead of heavy and hot food, eat light and small quantities of food like salad. Cooking food at home increases heat and the body also produces more heat while digesting heavy food. © UNICEF/Vineeta Misra In extreme heat, dehydration in the body can occur quickly. Therefore, keep drinking water little by little throughout the day. 5. Protect yourself in the heat. Wear light-coloured, loose and comfortable clothes. Also wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Stay indoors or in the shade during the hottest times of the day. Do exercise and outdoor work in the cool morning or evening. For those working in open spaces, regular rest, shade, adequate water and change in working time are very important.6. Recognize the signs of heat illness. Dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps and excessive sweating can be signs of heat exhaustion. If this happens, immediately go to a cool place, rest and drink water. Confusion, fainting, rapid breathing, seizures or high body temperature can be signs of heat stroke. This is an emergency, so seek medical attention immediately. ©WHO /Sarah Tyler Extreme heat is the leading cause of climate-related deaths in the European region. 7. Cool the body quickly: Take a cold bath, place a wet cloth on the neck and wrists, or soak the feet in cold water. Place a cold pack wrapped in a towel on the neck, armpits and joints of the thighs, where the blood vessels are close to the skin. These simple measures can quickly reduce the body temperature and reduce the risk of heat illness. 8. If the house gets too hot, go to a cool place. Libraries, markets with big buildings, community centres, cinemas and shady parks can provide relief in the scorching heat. Special cooling centers are also opened in many cities. Get information about the nearest center from the local administration or health department. Early morning or evening is the safest time to go out. Trees, parks, green roofs and other vegetation help keep the surrounding areas cool. Choose shady paths where possible, spend time in green areas and support efforts to plant more trees in cities. © UNEP India Choose shady paths where possible, and spend time in green areas. 9. Ask about the well-being of others and prepare in advance. The elderly, young children, pregnant women, chronically ill people, those who live alone and those working in open spaces are most at risk from heat. Even a phone call or visit during a heat wave can save someone’s life. Small preparations made before the heat increases can protect health, reduce risks and help stay safe in the extreme heat. This article first Here Published.