1,200 Alicante Residents at Risk Due to Heatwave

The Alicante City Council will keep the heatwave protocol activated at least until this Saturday, given the forecast of high temperatures in the city this weekend, which have triggered an orange alert for significant risk.

The Department of Social Welfare is monitoring the situation of more than 1,200 users of municipal telecare, mostly elderly and dependent individuals. These vulnerable groups will be closely monitored to ensure their well-being and will receive advice and recommendations to avoid heat strokes.

Additionally, through the agreement that Social Welfare has with the Red Cross, kits to cope with the heat are being distributed to homeless people: these include cold water, sunscreen, and a cap. Street teams also provide basic recommendations for dealing with the heat, assess their situation, and refer them to existing social and health resources if necessary.

The teams operate in the morning and afternoon, intensifying street care services. Last week, 22 kits were distributed, and another 40 are expected to be handed out in the coming days.

- Avoid sun exposure as much as possible and use sunscreen and a hat or cap.

- Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing that covers most of the body, especially the head.

- Eat light meals rich in water and minerals, such as fruits and vegetables. Avoid hot and heavy meals.

- Drink plenty of water. Avoid prolonged physical exercise, especially during the hottest part of the day.

- Keep windows and blinds closed if it is hotter outside, especially on sun-exposed facades.

- Seek out the coolest rooms in your home, stay hydrated with water and fruit juices, take showers, and use cooling systems.

- Pay special attention to children and the elderly; monitor their fluid intake. Those under 5 years old and over 65 are most vulnerable, as well as very obese individuals, those who are ill or taking certain medications. People engaged in physically demanding activities should also exercise great caution.

- Never leave anyone inside a closed vehicle.

- Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages as they promote dehydration or other diuretic drinks like tea or sugary drinks.

- Open windows and ventilate during the night.

- If experiencing symptoms such as weakness, dizziness, muscle cramps, headache, nausea (common symptoms of heat exhaustion), stop activity immediately, drink fluids, cool down the body and consult health services. Contact emergency health services if symptoms persist.

Social Welfare and Red Cross explain that the municipal center for homeless people (CAI) and the Low Demand Intervention Center (CIBE) of Red Cross are available. These resources provide a socio-health focus to assist individuals with addictions who are often in severe social exclusion situations. They offer breakfast, emergency aid, counseling, medical care, psychological support, and therapy.

Additionally, the City Council reminds residents that six refrigerated water fountains have recently been installed throughout the municipality to mitigate the effects of heat. These can be found at the façade of the Central Market, in the sports area of Monte Tossal, in Santa Faz Square, at the elevator of Santa Bárbara Castle, on Postiguet Beach, and on San Juan Beach.