APSDMA launches ‘Smart Heat Alert Card’ that gives real-time temperatures and dos and don’ts

APSDMA launches 'Smart Heat Alert Card' with QR code for real-time heatwave information and safety guidelines.

The Andhra Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (APSDMA) has launched a ‘Smart Heat Alert Card’, available both in physical and online formats, to provide citizens with timely and critical heatwave information, and to ensure public safety during heatwaves.

Launching the card at the APSDMA office at Tadepalli on May 17, Saturday, G. Jayalakshmi, Special Chief Secretary, Revenue and Disaster Management Department, said the initiative is aimed at empowering every citizen with the knowledge and resources to protect themselves against heatwave risks.

The card features a QR code, a list of dos and don’ts and an explanatory on four colour-coded heat risk levels. After receiving the card, once an individual scans the QR code from their mobile phone, the APSDMA website comes up with the realtime temperature in their location presented in a colour-coded box.

If the temperature is below 35 degree Celsius, the colour that appears is blue (safe), if it is between 35 and 40 degree Celsius, then it is yellow (be alert), if the temperature is between 41 and 44 degree Celsius, then it is orange (be prepared) and if it is 45 degree Celsius or more, it is red (extreme danger).

While distributing these cards along with buttermilk and water bottles to citizens in Tadepalli and surrounding areas, the Chief Secretary emphasised the importance of staying informed about dos and don’ts during extreme heat conditions. She also encouraged citizens to call the APSDMA tollfree numbers, 1070/1800-425-0101, available 24/7, in case of any emergencies during summers.

APSDMA Managing Director Ronanki Kurmanath said one can not only get live updates through the QR code but also guidelines to stay safe. He said the card is part of their ongoing efforts to protect citizens from the dangers of heatwaves.

The APSDMA has forwarded the card to all the district administrations, who would later put it in public places and popularise it through online mediums as well.