The Muntinlupa City government warned the public about heat stroke as local forecast indicated temperature may reach up to 36 degrees Celsius.
According to the Heat Index Forecast by the Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management (DDRM) for April 3, the heat index may reach 36.15 degrees Celsius (extreme caution) at 2 p.m. in the city.
The Muntinlupa City government warned the public about heat stroke (Photos from the Muntinlupa City government)
The heat index chart from PAGASA (PAGASA)
Heat index “is a measure of the contribution that high humidity makes with abnormally high temperatures in reducing the body's ability to cool itself,” according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Heat index from 33 to 41 degrees Celsius may result in heat cramps and heat exhaustion.
"Continuing activity could lead to heat stroke," PAGASA stated in its heat index chart.
"Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature: 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. Heat stroke can cause permanent disability or death if the person does not receive emergency treatment," according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
On April 2, Mayor Ruffy Biazon suspended classes in public schools due to soaring temperatures.
The Muntinlupa City Health Office (CHO) said a person who suffers heat stroke should be given first aid and do the following:
- Move the person to a shaded spot
- Loosen or remove upper clothing and apply cool water. If possible, use an electric fan for the patient
- Place cold items or things on critical parts of the body including the armpit, groin, back and wrist.
- Have the patient drink water
- Lay the patient down with legs elevated to ensure smooth flow of blood in the body
- Call the nearest hospital
Muntinlupa Emergency Hotline Numbers:
- 137-175
- 8373-51-65
- 0921-542-7123
- 0927-257-9322