The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has begun heat-wave preparedness at 754 locations, including 300 hospitals, 397 Amma Canteens, and 57 homeless shelters in the city.

The civic body has imparted training for staff to treat heat stroke cases in the 15 zones of the city. “GCC has readied medications and drugs for treatment of heat stroke at hospitals, including UPHC, UCHC and UHWC. A total of 1.34 lakh ORS packets are available to GCC centres. All those who visit the GCC centres will get oral rehydration solutions,” said an official.

GCC officials have begun raising awareness among residents about the heat wave, advising people to carry an umbrella during the summer heat, wear a cap, and avoid walking or jogging in parks during the daytime. Residents have also been advised not to step out of their homes during heat wave conditions. The Integrated Command and Control Centre will monitor heat wave conditions and provide advisory for residents.

As the impact on children, pregnant women and senior citizens has been reportedly high, officials have suggested measures to prevent heat stroke cases of such residents in each locality. The officials have advised residents to prevent children from visiting playgrounds during the daytime in summer and permit them only during the morning and evening in the playgrounds and parks.