VOTERS are encouraged to bring extra bottled water and wear light clothes tomorrow as the state weather bureau Pagasa said it expects humid weather to prevail on Election Day.
Manny John Agbay, Pagasa Mactan weather specialist, said temperatures will range from 26 to 34 degrees Celsius, with an actual heat index of 41 degrees.
“So far no signs that it will rain. No major weather disturbance has been observed,” he said in a phone interview.
Agbay said the weather is expected to persist in the next four days though there can still be rain.
There has been no rainfall recorded this month so far.
Dr. Joanri Riveral, health officer of the Department of Health (DOH) advised seniors and those with serious health problems to avoid heat exposure.
“Avoid congested areas. Look for a place with adequate shade to avoid heatstroke,” Riveral said.
Voters are also encouraged to bring their own umbrellas, fans, caps and extra hand towels or shirts.
Elderly voters should not go to polling precincts alone while those who require maintenance medicine should bring them along during the elections.
Riveral said medical personnel are deployed in every polling center.
“If they don’t feel well they can approach these medical personnel for assistance. We have operation centers in the region to also monitor possible areas,” he said.
Voters with medical problems should consult with their doctors before voting.
For those working late in the elections like the Board of Election Inspectors (BEI), they are advised to bring their own supplements and vitamins.
“After elections, they should at least get enough sleep and rest well since it [the stress from working under adverse conditions] can result to a weak resistance,” he said.
The Cebu Provincial Health Office (PHO) alerted hospitals under its supervision to be ready for deployment in case their services are needed on Election Day.
PHO Head Dr. Cynthia Genosolango said three teams are on standby to respond to medical emergencies in the northern, southern and central parts of the province.
Each provincial hospital has three to four trauma teams on standby, all ready to respond to injuries on Election Day.
All 16 province-run hospitals will be on Code White alert status on Monday, meaning all medical specialists will be “ready to respond to any emergency situation.”