Government advises citizens on precautions amidst heatwave conditions
In the scorching summer heat of 2025, the Georgia Ministry of Health has issued a series of guidelines to help the public, particularly at-risk groups, stay safe and healthy. These practical tips aim to protect everyone from heat-related illnesses and ensure community safety during intense heatwaves.
First and foremost, **staying hydrated** is crucial. Drink water frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, and caffeine as they can cause dehydration.
During peak heat hours, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., it's best to **take breaks indoors** in air-conditioned or shaded areas.
When venturing outdoors, **dress appropriately** with lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Use sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect yourself from sun exposure.
Recognize the warning signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, such as heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, or confusion. If these symptoms worsen, seek immediate medical help.
Never leave children or pets in vehicles, even with the windows open, as car interiors can become dangerously hot within minutes.
Check on vulnerable individuals, such as elderly neighbours, young children, and people with chronic health conditions, to ensure they are safe and have access to cooling and hydration.
Outdoor activities should be avoided during the hottest parts of the day, if possible. If you must be outdoors, use hats, umbrellas, or other shade, and apply cooling methods at home such as damp cool cloths or cool showers to reduce body temperature.
Seek cooler public spaces like malls or libraries if air conditioning is not available at home. Modify physical activity according to the heat and humidity, with older adults and those with medical conditions being especially cautious.
For at-risk groups, the Ministry recommends not using sunscreen when sun exposure is unavoidable. Replacing lost salts and minerals, especially in cases of heavy sweating, is also important.
In addition, parents are advised to watch for symptoms like fatigue, fever, nausea, sleepiness, or rapid breathing in children and consult a doctor immediately if these appear. They should also avoid letting children play in stagnant water bodies like ponds or lakes.
To keep indoor temperatures comfortable, close windows, curtains, and turn off unnecessary lighting and appliances during the day. Indoor temperatures should be kept below 32°C during the day and under 24°C at night.
These tips collectively aim to protect both the general population and at-risk groups from heat-related illnesses and ensure community safety during intense summer heatwaves in Georgia. Stay safe and enjoy the summer!
- It's essential to prioritize workplace-wellness by adjusting work schedules or work-from-home options during extreme heat conditions to avoid heat-related illnesses.
- Sleep patterns can be disrupted during heatwaves due to increased body temperature, so ensuring a cool sleeping environment and maintaining regular sleep schedules is crucial.
- People with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular, respiratory, or digestive conditions should consult their healthcare provider for additional heat precautions and therapies-and-treatments.
- Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be more sensitive to heat, so it is important to keep cool and stay hydrated to prevent dehydration and heat-related complications.
- Individuals with autoimmune disorders may also experience a worsening of symptoms during heatwaves, so it's necessary to manage stress, maintain a healthy diet, and seek medical advice as needed.
- For those with neurological disorders, special attention should be given to mental-health as heat-related illnesses can exacerbate anxiety and depression.
- For mens-health, it is important to be aware of symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke and seek medical attention if necessary. In men, heatstroke is often fatal, so it is crucial to take precautions seriously.
- Womens-health can also be impacted by heatwaves, especially during pregnancy, so pregnant women should try to stay indoors and limit physical exertion.
- Skin-care becomes more important during heatwaves, so use water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30+, wear protective clothing, and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
- During heatwaves, skin-conditions such as eczema or psoriasis may worsen, so it's important to keep the skin well- moisturized and cool.
- To promote overall health-and-wellness, consider incorporating fitness-and-exercise into daily routines by practicing yoga, stretching, or light aerobic exercises during the cooler parts of the day to maintain good health and reduce stress during intense heatwaves.
