El Niño and heat: how to stay safe when the power is out
A public health professor's advice on ventilation, water and what to do if someone collapses.
Ilorin — El Niño raises the chance of above-normal temperatures in many parts of the world, and unreliable electricity makes that harder for Nigerian households that depend on fans and air conditioners. Tanimola Akande, a professor of public health at the University of Ilorin, told Premium Times there are affordable ways to cope.
Keeping cool
- Use big windows and cross ventilation.
- Plant trees around the home for shade.
- Wear loose, light clothes and avoid dark colours.
- Drink water through the day, even when not thirsty.
- Stay out of direct sun at the hottest hours and take breaks in the shade.
Know the signs
Heat exhaustion brings heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache and nausea. Heat stroke is more severe and can be life-threatening: watch for confusion, changed behaviour, seizures or loss of consciousness.
If someone collapses
- Move the person to a cool place and remove extra clothing.
- Sponge with cold water.
- Give water or oral rehydration solution only if the person is conscious and can swallow. Never force anyone to drink.
- Heat stroke needs emergency care at once. Keep cooling the person with cold water, wet cloths and fanning while help comes.
Outdoor workers, children, older people, pregnant women and people with diabetes or heart disease face the highest risk.
Source: Premium Times, 31 October 2026.
