Hungary’s chief medical officer issued a third-degree heat alert from today noon till Monday midnight.
According to the Hungarian Meteorological Service, daytime temperatures will continue to rise to as high as 35-39 Celsius degrees.
Here’s what you should and shouldn’t do when a heat alert is issued:
Do:
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit your exposure to the sun
- Drink fluids often, particularly water or juice, even if you do not feel thirsty, to help your body’s thermostat stay cool. (Note: People who have problems with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing their fluid intake.)
- Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing to reflect the sun’s energy if you must go outside.
- Apply a minimum of 30 SPF sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Keep pets indoors and refill their water bowls frequently.
- Eat well-balanced, light and regular meals.
- Check on your family, friends and neighbours, especially if they live alone.
- Avoid extreme temperature changes; a cool shower after being outside could cause hypothermia.
Don’t:
- Do strenuous activity such as running, biking and lawn care work.
- Drink high caffeine or alcoholic drinks; they can dry out your system.
- Eat high-protein foods; they increase your body’s water loss and heat production.
- Leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle.
