Georgia’s National Centre for Disease Control issues recommendations to prevent incidents caused by heat

The National Center for Disease Control and Public Health of Georgia on Wednesday published recommendations due to heat in Tbilisi and the regions, with potential threats including dehydration and overheating, which the agency said could particularly worsen the health of people with heart disease and breathing problems. 

The agency stressed the elderly population, the newborn, people with chronic diseases and mobility problems, those with serious mental health problems or receiving medication affecting the control of temperature were particularly vulnerable to heat.

The recommendations included checking the indoor temperature, saying the temperature in a room should not exceed 32C during the day and 24C at night, as well as reducing heat by closing windows especially on the sunny side, turning off electrical appliances and artificial lighting as much as possible.

“On the sunny side, cover the shading curtains, blinds, shutters. Hang wet towels, which will humidify the house as it cools. If you have air conditioning in your home, close doors and windows to use electricity efficiently. This will avoid the threat of electricity shortage in the country. A fan is useful if the temperature does not exceed 35C. However,  if the temperature exceeds 35C, it will not solve your heat related problems”, said NCDC.

If it is not possible to keep cool at home, try to spend two-three hours a day in a cool place. Avoid going outside during the hottest part of the day, avoid high-intensity physical activity, keep your body cool and moist – take a cool shower or use ice packs, a wet towel, it added. Drinking fluids, not  alcohol, sugary and caffeinated drinks, using light bed linens and no pillows to prevent heat build-up, wearing light clothes, eating food often and in small portions, not those with high protein content, were also included in the recommendations.