Contents
1. What is a cold wave ?
A cold wave is a rapid fall in temperature. Normally, when the atmosphere temperature is minus zero degree Celsius, it is called ‘cold wave’. A cold wave can cause death and injury to livestock and wildlife.
| The adverse times that Sanatan has been warning about are at our doorstep !
Their impact is going to be more horrific ! Normally, our country witnesses cold waves during the winters. In the Himalayas, the temperature drops below zero to -40 degrees Celsius. The possibility of a cold wave occuring in the current climate cannot be ruled out. There has been a lot of snowfall in Texas, USA recently. In addition, due to a major breakdown in power supply there, the citizens could not use heaters. The water supply was also cut off since tap water froze in pipes. For some days, the residents of this place were in a dilemma since they could not even use electrical appliances for cooking. This has to be called an adverse time. If such a situation occurs everywhere, it can lead to a large number of deaths. This article gives you a overview on how to deal with a cold wave in India. |
2. Ailments created due to a cold wave Beware of hypothermia
Excessive cold weather can lead to hypothermia in some people. Each person has a normal temperature, which is controlled by the body mechanisms. When the body temperature goes below this normal temperature, it is called hypothermia. This can be fatal because the body cannot generate enough heat needed to cope with this low temperature.
Newborns and the elderly in particular are at higher risk. Therefore, if someone is shivering due to cold, he should be given warm clothes and blankets to generate more heat. If his clothes are wet, change them. Give him heat-generating drinks. Consult a physician as needed.
3. Preparations to protect from a cold wave
Adequate storage of warm clothing should be worn on cold days; for example sweaters or jackets, mufflers, shawls, hats, hand gloves and socks, rugs, quilts, blankets. Make sure everyone in the family has enough of such clothes. Ensure that there are enough clothes for the elderly since they may suffer more from the cold.
4. Actions required
A. Have adequate water storage in the house during this period as water supply pipes are likely to freeze due to cold.
B. Do not wear wet clothes. If for some reason the clothes get wet, replace them with dry clothes.
C. Consume hot drinks and foods regularly.
D. Do not drink alcohol. Alcohol lowers body heat.
E. Cold can lead to numbness in the fingers, toes, earlobes, nasal passages, etc.; so, pay attention to them and ensure they remain warm.
F. Don’t rubbed numb body parts due to cold. Massage can cause harm.
G. The numb body parts, for example, the limbs, can be immersed in lukewarm (not too hot) water.
H. Avoid going out of the house during a cold wave. If you experience shivering upon going out, return home immediately.
I. If possible use indoors heaters
J. Information about weather provided on TV or radio. Carefully follow the instructions given about weather.
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