This article was originally published by the Independent 

The Ministry for Health and Active Ageing has launched a plan regarding periods of extreme heat, with the plan including early warning systems and an awareness campaign for the public, as well as effective responses by entities within the ministry.

It said that in collaboration with the Meteorological Office, the ministry will implement an early warning system to notify the public of predicted periods of extreme heat. Through this warning system, the public will be receiving a warning message which will also include advice about what to do during such periods.

The ministry said that over the past few weeks, it has also launched a public awareness campaign about the dangers of heat, with practical advice on how to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activities during the hottest hours of the day, and avoid direct exposure to the sun when facing extreme heat.

It continued that it has also established Day Centres to provide shelter from the heat for vulnerable people, adding that these centres will be available to individuals with specific medical conditions. It said that access to these centres will be facilitated by the Primary Care Support Centre.

Minister Jo Etienne Abela thanked the specialists who worked on and prepared the plan, particularly noting the Superintendence of Public Health, the Office of the Commissioner for the Elderly, the Data Commissioner, and the Office of the Chief Medical Officer. He also expressed appreciation to the telephone companies that accepted the ministry’s request that every customer in Malta and Gozo receive a personalised message with the warning and advice.

Abela said that extreme heat can cause problems in the body that can lead to irreversible damage to essential organs such as the kidneys, heart, and brain. He continued that the ministry is therefore doing everything possible to prevent such damage and so that no life is lost unnecessarily, as he also spoke of the importance of protection from the sun as well as the importance of drinking water.

The ministry stated that vulnerable persons can call 21231231 for the Day Centre service, and continued that the public is encouraged to call 1400 in urgent situations or 112 in case of emergency.

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