Heat In Jaipur

How We Teach Children to Adapt to Extreme Heat

Children in the Banjara Community

Heat waves, like we have been having in Jaipur for an extended period, pose a significant risk, especially for vulnerable populations such as children in slums. Poor water & electrical supplies in slums areas heighten the adverse effects of heat. All government & private primary schools have been closed recently because of the heat wave, with temperatures from 110 to 120 F. With the children staying at home, it was a good time to hold an educational seminar about heat!

We taught the children to:

1. Stay cool indoors     

2. Always drink plenty of liquids before and during any activity in hot, sunny weather — even if they aren't thirsty.

3. Wear light colored clothing

4. Look for shaded areas and rest often while outside.

Then we taught about heat stroke and explained it is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. As the body's temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. When heat stroke occurs, the body temperature can rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes.

We advised that if they thought someone was having a heat stroke, cool the person with household items such as wet towels, fans or icepacks placed in the neck, groin and armpits. If available, have the person take a cold shower or bath. And let the clinics know what is happening so we can follow up with that person!

The children respond well to having this first-hand knowledge. They take it back to their homes and share it with the family. Everyone then watches out for each other.

The children are helping set up the tarp for sitting during the educational seminar

Children listening to Dr Saini

Another view of the children listening