Bulakenyos cautioned on high temperature

Gov. Daniel Fernando reminded Bulakenyos to keep hydrated and wear comfortable clothes to avoid experiencing heat-related illnesses.

“Kung posible, iwasan na po nating lumabas ng ating mga tahanan ng tanghaling tapat. Kung hindi naman maiiwasan na lumabas, gawin na lamang natin ang mga ito sa umaga o hapon kung kailan hindi pa tirik ang araw (If possible, refrain from going out in the afternoon. If it can’t be avoided, do so in the morning or late afternoon),” the governor advised.

The governor issued the advisory amid the summer heat in the country. According to the weather bureau, the heat index forecast reached 40°C.

The high heat index prompted the provincial government to issue a memorandum advising all levels in public and private schools in the Province of Bulacan to conduct a three-day online class from April 4 to April 6, 2024.

According to the Provincial Health Office, spending time in a cool area; not wearing clothes that increase body heat; going near an electric fan; taking a bath or shower; placing an ice pack on the cheeks, palms and soles; and going to the nearest primary health provider are among the basic remedy for those experiencing heat-related symptoms associated with the hot weather.

Signs of heat stroke include body temperature over 40°C; hot, red and dry skin; fainting, convulsions, or disorientation; dizziness, headache, vomiting, or nausea; and tightness or twitching of the muscle.

Meanwhile, due to the extreme heat index and high temperature, some local government units (LGUs) have been prompted to suspend face-to-face (F2F) classes in several parts of Central Luzon.

Central Luzon and the LGUs in the provinces of Pampanga and Tarlac have already suspended F2F classes in favor of online classes amid the increasing heat index that might affect the health of residents.

Among the towns and cities that suspended its classes in Pampanga are Angeles City, City of San Fernando, Bacolor, Pampanga State Agricultural University in Magalang, Arayat, Mabalacat City, Floridablanca, Mexico, Sta. Ana, Macabebe, and Masantol; and Anao, Bamban, Camiling, Capas, Concepcion, Gerona, La Paz, Mayantoc, Paniqui, Pura, San Clemente, San Jose, San Manuel, Santa Ignacia, and Victoria in Tarlac.

Pagasa said heat index exceeding 42ºC and reaching 51ºC constitutes “danger category,” and may lead to heat-related ailments such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.