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| The "Very Hot Weather" warning was raised today as temperatures rose to over 30 degrees |
The Department of Health’s Centre for Health Protection issued
the reminder as daytime temperatures hovered above 30 degrees Celsius.
The highest temperature of 33 degrees was recorded in Lau
Fau Shan, Sai Kung, Chek Lap Kok, Wong Tai Sin and Yuen Long Park
“The public should carry and drink plenty of water to
prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities,” a spokesman for the
CHP said.
“Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid
beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as
they speed up water loss through the urinary system,” the spokesman explained.
The CHP said those who are obese or ailing (including those with heart disease or high blood pressure), the old and the young are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and should pay more attention to the warning.
The CHP said those who are obese or ailing (including those with heart disease or high blood pressure), the old and the young are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses and should pay more attention to the warning.
The CHP also urged the public to adopt the following
precautions:
1) Wear
loose and light-colored clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat
evaporation and heat dissipation;
2) Avoid
vigorous exercise and prolonged activities, such as hiking or trekking, as
heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
3) Perform
outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon;
4) For
indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to
maintain good ventilation;
5) Reschedule
work to cooler times of the day.
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| Hikers or those who do strenuous activities outdoors should take particular care to avoid heat stroke |
If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.
The public is also cautioned that when the UV Index is high (6
or above), the following should be observed:
1) Minimize
direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
2) Wear
long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
3) Wear
a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella; eek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking
sunglasses;
4) Apply
a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 15 or
above. Apply liberally and reapply after swimming, sweating or toweling off;
and
5) If
using insect repellents for personal protection, apply sunscreen first. If
symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or
confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as
possible.
The public may obtain more
information from the DH's Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page
and UV radiation page;
the HKO's Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather and forecast, UV Index and
weather information for hiking and
mountaineering; and press
releases of the Labour Department on precautions against
heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather
Warning is in force.
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