"When Temperatures Exceed 40 Degrees, Fans Can Be Fatal"... WHO's Guide to Surviving Heatwaves

As record-breaking heatwaves continue, with daytime highs in South Korea reaching 42.5°C (108.5°F) to break records since weather observations began, the World Health Organization (WHO) has advised the public to follow heatwave response guidelines, such as avoiding going out during midday and staying hydrated.

On August 2 (local time), the WHO presented action guidelines in four major categories to reduce health damage caused by heatwaves.

The first category is "keeping out of the heat."

People should avoid going outside and engaging in strenuous physical activity during the hottest times of the day.

Those who must go outside should stay in the shade.

Under direct sunlight, the perceived temperature can be 10 to 15 degrees higher than the actual temperature.

It is recommended to spend 2 to 3 hours of the day in a cool place, and when entering water, be mindful of drowning risks, such as avoiding swimming alone.

People also need to build a habit of continuously checking heatwave warnings and related information.

The second category is "keeping your home cool."

During the day, windows and blinds should be used to block direct sunlight from entering the home, and it is best to open windows at night when external temperatures drop.

Electrical appliances should be used as little as possible, and electric fans should only be used when temperatures are below 40°C (104°F).

At temperatures of 40°C (104°F) or higher, fans can actually raise body temperature.

When using air conditioning, it is recommended to set the temperature to 27°C (81°F) and use a fan alongside it.

Doing this can make the indoor environment feel about 4 degrees cooler than it actually is, and can also cut cooling costs by up to 70 percent.


The third category is "keeping cool and staying hydrated."

During a heatwave, it is best to use lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and bedding, and to take cool showers or baths.

It is also helpful to cool the skin using a damp cloth, a water spray bottle, or wet lightweight clothing.

People must also drink water regularly.

The WHO recommends drinking a cup of water per hour and consuming at least 2 to 3 liters of fluids daily.

It is also important to look out for vulnerable groups around you.

Regular check-ins should be made with elderly individuals aged 65 and older, people with heart, lung, or kidney diseases, individuals with disabilities, and those living alone.

The fourth category is "protecting infants and children."

Because parked cars can heat up internally in an instant, children or animals must never be left unattended in them, even for a short time.

During the hottest hours of the day, children should not be directly exposed to sunlight, and they should be kept in the shade or indoors.

Covering a stroller with a dry cloth should also be avoided.

Because it can actually raise the internal temperature, it is better to use a thin, damp cloth and rewet it whenever necessary to lower the temperature.

Using a portable fan together can enhance the cooling effect.

Children should be dressed in lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that covers their skin, and protected from the sun using a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.

The WHO warns that heatwaves are more than just an inconvenience and pose a serious threat to health.

According to the WHO, an estimated 489,000 people worldwide died annually in connection with heatwaves between 2000 and 2019.
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.