Students try to shield themselves from the heat of the noonday sun at President Corazon Aquino High School in the Baseco community in Tondo, Manila, on April 2, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/file

MANILA — A congressman from Manila is urging local governments to issue guidelines to address extreme heat in their areas, adding a warning system similar to that used for typhoons could help define specific steps they can take depending on the temperature.

In a statement, Manila 3rd District Rep. Joel Chua said local government units should check PAGASA's Heat Index as well as its weather forecasts to prepare for rising temperatures.

"[T]he heat index does not show what steps LGUs should take. That is where the mayor, governors, barangay chairpersons, and their local legislative bodies can step in. It would be best if they approve ordinances and issue executive orders detailing the steps and measures at each heat index level," Chua said.

He suggested using a four-level heat warning system, with the lowest level — when temperatures are between 27-32 degrees C — prompting LGUs to advise seniors, children and other vulnerable sectors to stay out of the sun and to stay hydrated.

The next level, when temperatures range from 33 to 41 degrees, would prompt the cancellation of in-person classes at the primary level and the suspension of outdoor activities at the secondary level.

Barangay health workers would also be mobilized to help residents who might fall ill from the heat.

Higher temperatures could prompt suspension of on-site work, putting fire stations and emergency responders on alert against fires and other emergencies, stay-at-home orders, and mandatory energy and water conservation measures.

First Aid training urged

"Barangays should train their residents on first aid for cramps, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, strokes, heart attacks, hypoglycemia attacks, and other first aid emergencies," Chua added. 

"There should be first aid training for residents, barangay tanods, barangay nutrition scholars, and barangay health workers. Basic life support and advanced life support training," he also said.

Extreme heat has already prompted the suspension of in-person classes in some areas and a reminder from the labor department for employers to ensure workers' health and safety.

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US heat warnings

The US National Weather Service uses a system of outlooks and warnings that its forecast offices issue depending on local conditions.

Outlooks are meant to alert people of the potential for excessive heat in the next few days and to give them time to prepare for it. Advisories are issued within 12 hours of the onset of extreme heat, with a reminder to take precautions to avoid heat illness.

The highest level of alert, the Excessive Heat Warning, is issued 12 hours before the onset of very high temperatures that are forecast to last at least two days.

"If you don't take precautions immediately when conditions are extreme, you may become seriously ill or even die," the National Weather Service warns.