Romania's National Meteorological Administration have given a weather warning (Yellow) between July 27th until at least July 31st 2021, warning that many areas of the country will experience extreme temperatures up to 39°C for areas of the country, including Cluj.
“In most parts of the country, in the last days of July, the heat wave will expand and intensify gradually, the thermal discomfort will increase, and the temperature-humidity index (ITU) will exceed the critical threshold of 80 units. In the western, southern and local regions in the rest of the territory will be heatwave. The maximum temperatures will generally be between 34 and 39 degrees, with the highest values in Oltenia and Muntenia. Locally, at night, temperatures will not drop below 20 degrees.” – https://www.meteoromania.ro/avertizari/
Risks of heat exhaustion and heatstroke are a serious concern, and steps should be taken to limit exposure to extreme temperatures.
Tips for coping with the Hot Weather
- Where possible, stay indoors
- Close blinds and curtains in rooms that face the sun
- If the temperature outside is hotter than inside, consider closing windows and monitor the temperature
- If outdoors, try walking in shaded areas
- Apply protection regularly
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head and face
- Avoid performing exercise during the hottest parts of the day
- Take water with you when outdoors
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- Avoid the sun between 11am and 3pm
We also recommend looking out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool, especially older people.
When to contact emergency services
Dial 112 if you or someone else exhibit any of the following signs of heatstroke:
- feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of water
- a high temperature of 40C or above
- not sweating even while feeling too hot
- feeling confused
- fast breathing or shortness of breath
- a seizure
- loss of consciousness
- not responsive
If the person is unconscious, ensure the place them into the recovery position until help arrives.
Recovery Position
- With the person lying on their back, kneel on the floor at their side.
- Extend the arm nearest you at a right angle to their body with their palm facing up.
- Take their other arm and fold it so the back of their hand rests on the cheek closest to you, and hold it in place.
- Use your free hand to bend the person's knee farthest from you to a right angle.
- Carefully roll the person onto their side by pulling on the bent knee.
- Their bent arm should be supporting the head, and their extended arm will stop you rolling them too far.
- Make sure their bent leg is at a right angle.
- Open their airway by gently tilting their head back and lifting their chin, and check that nothing is blocking their airway.
- Stay with the person and monitor their condition until help arrives.
