Ministry of Agriculture Issues Heatwave Safety Guidelines Until Mid-August

The Ministry of Agriculture's Agricultural Scientific Research Department (LARI) has issued critical guidelines to confront the ongoing severe heatwave and to prevent fires.

This heatwave is expected to persist until the middle of August, affecting the entire country.

The ministry clarified that these preventive instructions and practical measures aim to protect citizens and farmers, ensure the safety of properties and farms, and reduce the risk of fires in wild and agricultural areas. This initiative is part of the ministry's commitment to environmental protection, community awareness, and enhanced coordination among relevant official bodies.

According to climate estimates, temperatures will exceed normal averages, reaching up to 40 degrees Celsius in the Bekaa region and 35 degrees Celsius along the coast. Nighttime temperatures are also expected to rise significantly, reaching 30 degrees Celsius in Bekaa, which elevates the fire risk index to critical levels.

The Ministry of Agriculture has provided the following detailed guidelines during the current heatwave:

1. For citizens:

• Increase water intake continuously to maintain hydration and reduce the risk of heat stress.

• Wear protective hats and sunglasses to shield against harmful ultraviolet rays.

• Apply sunscreen ointment on exposed skin areas, especially the face and hands.

• Avoid direct sun exposure and refrain from swimming in the sea or pools during peak hours between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.

• Do not leave lighters or glasses inside cars exposed to sunlight to prevent explosion risks or damage.

• Exercise caution by not leaving children inside vehicles during high temperatures.

• Avoid using mobile phones while refueling to maintain safety.

• Regularly check electrical connections at home to prevent fire hazards caused by high temperatures.

• Stay in air-conditioned and shaded areas and minimize direct sun exposure as much as possible.

• Avoid consuming spicy foods or perishable items such as raw or processed meats, especially in hot conditions.

• Do not leave raw or processed meats inside vehicles for more than 10 minutes.

• Drink cold water and avoid hot water inside cars.

• Monitor water and oil levels in vehicles to ensure engine safety.

• Avoid excessive use of brakes on mountain roads and rely on reducing speed instead.

• Do not discard cigarettes in wild areas to prevent fire outbreaks.

• Store food in refrigerators and protect it from flies to maintain safety.

• Combat sandfly insects that may transmit diseases.

• Wear hats when going outdoors under the sun.

2. For farmers:

• Refrain from spraying fertilizers and pesticides during the heatwave to avoid damaging crops.

• Maintain regular irrigation of plants, especially when water sources are available.

• Take necessary measures to cool agricultural greenhouses and poultry farms to prevent heat stress.

• Prohibit burning grass or any other materials without strict supervision to prevent fire outbreaks.

3. For officials (firefighting teams, municipalities, army, internal security, forest guards):

• Regularly cut dry grass alongside roads to reduce fire outbreak risks.

• Ensure complete extinguishing of fires after outdoor activities or camping in nature.

• Prepare water tanks and firefighting equipment in various areas to be ready for immediate use.

• Report early any smoke or signs indicating fire outbreaks.

• Equip firefighting helicopters and specialized teams for rapid intervention in case of fire.

• Internal security is to take strict legal actions against arsonists.

• Municipalities are to provide water tankers equipped with pumps to regularly spray roads and public squares to reduce temperatures and assist in fire prevention.

The Ministry of Agriculture urged all parties to fully adhere to these guidelines to protect individuals and society and to minimize potential damages resulting from the severe heatwave, especially under current climatic conditions that require utmost caution and vigilance.