Going out to cast your vote? Here's how to stay away from heat wave while waiting in long queue

The stage is set for the much-awaited electoral battle. As the first phase of voting starts, most of the states going for the polls are expected to hit a temperature as high as 42 degree Celsius. 

As heat waves lash the states, it is important the voters take primary precautions before going to cast their votes, the process for which started at 7 AM and ends by 6 PM. Severe heat can cause heat strokes and heat exhaustion that can lead to symptoms like dizziness, headaches, fainting and others. 

To avoid the heat wave, it is advisable to avoid the wee hours and cast vote before the sun goes high in the sky, preferably before 10 am or after it goes down i.e. after 5 pm. The voters can also avoid the rush and long queues at the polling station in this way.

Take a shower before you leave home for the polling station. Carry a bottle of water and glucose to keep you hydrated as you wait at the long queue to cast vote. Many polling booths offer water and juices for the convenience of the voters.'

If you are casting vote in a booth that is surrounded by shrubs and bushes, carry mosquito repellents.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes for your casting vote outing. Try to cover your head with a hat or an umbrella to keep the head from becoming too warm. 

Carry and wear sunglasses to keep your eyes safe if you go out during the peak hours of the sun. Don't forget to dab sunscreen lotion on your face.

Casting the vote is your constitutional right, don't let the heat deter you from your rights. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi called upon all the people to exercise their right to franchise as the first phase of polling in the Lok Sabha elections began on Thursday. He had a mention for first-time voters and urged them to vote in large numbers.