AP schools to remain open for half-day till June 17 due to heat wave

Amaravati: The Andhra Pradesh government has decided to run schools only for half a day every day up to June 17, due to severe heatwave conditions. Classes will be conducted from 7.30 am to 11.30 am.

A GO in this regard has been issued by the Commissioner of School Education for all government, private, and aided schools in Andhra Pradesh. From June 19, the schools shall function as per the prescribed timetable mentioned in the academic calendar.

As per the IMD predictions communicated by the State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA), the temperatures would record beyond 40°C for the next four to five days. As such, movement in high temperatures will lead to serious health issues in children.

Headmasters were directed to serve ragi malt between 8.30 am and 9 am, and the midday meal must be served between 11.30 am and 12 noon. The Director of Health & Family Welfare Department, Mangalagiri, Amaravati has informed that the Government of India has communicated certain advisories to protect people from Heat-Related Illnesses (HRI).

The headmasters of the schools were asked to disseminate the health impacts of heat waves to all the teachers, parents, and students. The health impacts of heat waves typically involve dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and/or heat stroke.

Symptoms of heat-related illnesses include:

Heat Cramps: Ederna (swelling), and syncope (fainting) are generally accompanied by fever below 39°C i.e. 102°F.

- Heat Exhaustion

- Fatigue

- Weakness

- Dizziness

- Headache

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Muscle cramps and sweating

Heat Stoke: Body temperatures of 40°C i.e. 104°F or more along with delirium, seizures or coma. This is a potentially fatal condition.

Measures to be taken in case of any of these conditions:

- Move the person to a cool place under the shade

- Give water or a re-hydrating drink (if the person is still conscious)

- Fan the person

- Consult a doctor if symptoms get worse or are long-lasting or the person is unconscious

- Cool the person by putting a cool wet cloth on his/her face/body