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By Chioma Osuji

As Nigeria continues to experience intense heatwave, staying cool and safe has become a top priority.

With temperatures soaring to record highs and increased risk of heat-related illnesses and discomfort one can only ask: who must have left the west gate of hell open?

We pray for the rains to come to our rescue, but right now, it seems impossible, as the Naija weather “no get joy.” The walls are hot, the chairs are hot, the rooms are very hot, and we can only pity those without a functioning air conditioner in their homes. Even with the AC, sef, some of us don’t have electricity.

This heatwave is driving a lot of Nigerians gaga. How are the pregnant women, who always feel hot, coping?

Well, I’m not here to offer you “Band A” electricity, neither do I have “3 Horsepower ACs” for giveaway. I come to offer ten tips on how to survive the ongoing heatwave in Nigeria:

1. Go outside only when necessary. Please do your best to run your errands in the morning and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest time of the day.

2. If you must go outside when the sun is out, I beg you to stay under a shade while you wait for your ride, or better still, use an umbrella, wear a face cap, a wide-brimmed hat, or a UV protective sunshade. For those who take their skincare seriously, apply an effective sunscreen.

3. Thank God for technology! We now have those portable electric hand and table fans that are either rechargeable or use batteries. They’re pocket-friendly, as prices start from N5000, depending on size. Please use them when possible.

4. This is not the time to walk the streets in winter coats. Wear loose-fitted clothes made from lightweight fabric that allows free airflow. Light or dark clothes? Your choice, but please allow your covered skin to breathe.

5. Don’t wait till your body becomes a waterfall before you take a cool shower. Hop into the bathroom when you can, and yes, the water may be hot, but there’s a trick: fetch in a bucket at least 30 minutes before your bath. Please splash cool water on your body.

6. Stay hydrated, my people! This fact cannot be overstated. Remember, you don’t have to feel thirsty before you drink water. Please do your best to drink at least 2-3 liters of water per day.

7. Please don’t leave or forget your children or pets inside vehicles. They can suffer heatstroke when the body reaches 40°C (104°F), leading to life-threatening complications or even death. As a passerby, call for help if you see a child or pet left in a hot vehicle.

8. Avoid direct exposure to the sun, especially during the peak hours of 11am to 3pm. Please do this to avoid heat exposure, heatstroke, sunburn, premature aging caused by UV radiation, dehydration, and eye damage.

9. Spend 2-3 hours in a cool place to allow your body’s core temperature to cool down.

10. While you stay indoors, please close your windows to block direct sunlight from causing more heat, especially during the day when the sun is high.

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