According to a statement by the Health Bureau (SSM), the city is set to suffer a significant drop in temperature over the next few days, prompting health authorities to urge residents to take extra precautions, particularly to protect elderly people and those with chronic illnesses from hypothermia.
According to the statement, the Meteorological and Geophysical Bureau (SMG) noted that a “yellow” cold weather alert has been issued, with the temperature expected to fall to 9 degrees Celsius today and tomorrow.
The bureau urged residents to stay warm and stay alert to health risks associated with prolonged cold exposure, the statement said, stressing that older people, individuals with chronic diseases, their caregivers and care institutions should adopt appropriate preventive measures.
Recommendations include wearing suitable warm clothing that does not restrict blood circulation, keeping homes warm and well ventilated, and using heaters safely, the statement noted.
Moreover, residents are also advised to consume warm, high-calorie and easily digestible foods, drink enough water, avoid excessive alcohol intake, and maintain light physical activity to help sustain their body temperature, said the statement.
Special caution was advised for people with reduced thermal sensation, such as diabetics, who should avoid using hot water bottles or electric blankets, the statement added.
According to the statement, the bureau urged families, friends and neighbours to pay closer attention to elderly people living alone and to offer them assistance when needed, and residents were also advised to monitor weather updates closely via the local observatory’s 24-hour hotline 1311.
In the case of suspected hypothermia, the public should seek immediate medical help or call emergency services on 999 or 2857 2222.
Hypothermia alert poster courtesy of Austin Emergency Management
