CDD urges public to take precautions during heatwave

AMMAN — The Civil Defence Department (CDD) on Sunday urged the public to avoid direct sun exposure during the current heatwave in the Kingdom.

Temperatures until Tuesday are expected to be 7-9 degrees above their annual average for this time of the year, reaching a maximum of 39°C in the capital, according to the Jordan Meteorological Department.

CDD called on citizens to avoid drinks containing caffeine or sugar, since they could cause dehydration.

In a statement, the CDD also urged people to wear light and loose garments, hats and sunglasses, particularly those who work outdoors or are exposed to the sun, such as workers in the constructions and agricultural sectors, the nature of whose work requires long hours under direct sun exposure.

Children should also be prevented from going outdoors during peak hours, the department said, also warning citizens against power overloads due to the use of air conditioners and fans, and against using one plug for such electric devices.

The department warned the public  of the possibly-fatal consequences of swimming in dangerous waters, such as dams, water canals and agricultural ponds. 

In case of emergency, the CDD can be reached on 911.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health’s media and awareness department warned the public of the risk of sunstroke, noting that it can be fatal if not treated immediately, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The ministry added that direct sun exposure, accompanied with high physical effort, especially in dry weather conditions, may result in losing high levels of water and salts, which may lead to dehydration. 

Health Ministry Secretary General Ali Saad directed the country’s health and hospital directors to take all precautionary measures and raise the preparedness level to deal with any adverse effects of the heatwave, according to Petra.

Saad highlighted that the prevailing weather conditions require hospital and health centres, especially their emergency departments, to prepare for the possibility of receiving large numbers of people who may suffer from heat-related illnesses.

In this regard, he also called on health directors to intensify their inspection campaigns of shops and street vendors, as cases of diarrhoea and food poisoning tend to increase in hot weather.