Saint Lucia: Govt issues Heat Advisory for schools amid increasing temperatures

Saint Lucia: The Government of Saint Lucia has issued a heat advisory of schools across the island because of an increase in the current heat level. The Ministry of Health noted that the current weather conditions places individuals at risk of dehydration and its related effects which includes dizziness, fainting, heat stress among other issues. 

In order to avoid the detrimental effects of the heat, the Ministry of Health advised the administration as well as staff of all schools, parents, and guardians to avoid exposure of children to direct sunlight, especially between the hours of 10 am to 2 pm. 

In its heat advisory, the Government advised that it would be prudent to limit outdoor activity in the direct heat during this period. In addition to this, the administration also encouraged the students to increase their consumption of water throughout the day. 

It advised the school staff to ensure that students bringing water bottles to school have water readily available. The students are also encouraged to take water during breaks in classes and it should be noted that sugary drinks are not a substitute for water as they are said to cause dehydration. 

The parents are also asked to ensure that when children are exposed to direct sunlight they use hats, umbrellas, cool light coloured protective clothing and sunblock to reduce the impact of the sunlight. 

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health of Saint Lucia also released various signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, which are as follows:

• Weakness
• Dizziness and fainting
• Heavy sweating
• Moist, sweaty skin
• Vomiting, diarrhea or vomiting
• Fever over 102 degrees
• Headache
• Dilated pupils 
• Rapid shallow breathing
• Cramps and muscle spasms

The Ministry said that if any student faces any of the above issues, he should immediately get proper medical attention from the school nurse.

Also, citizens and residents of the country are advised to limit their overall outdoor activity and stay indoors as much as possible to ensure that they are not affected by the increasing heat.