Council reminds local people to stay safe in the heat
Met office issues amber level alert
Heat-Health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency until 9am on Tuesday 13 June. The Council is advising residents to stay safe in the heat as the current heatwave is predicted to last until early next week.
With temperatures, on some days, soaring to around 30 degrees centigrade during the day and staying uncomfortably warm during the night the Council is encouraging local people to take simple precautions to stay safe in the hot weather.
Cabinet Lead for Health Cllr Tonia Craig said: “I encourage all our residents to follow this simple health advice to stay safe in the heat. It’s also important to check on vulnerable people such as the elderly, young children or people with medical conditions as well as your pets.”
Please stay safe with the following guidance from the UK Health Security Agency:
Stay out of the heat:
- Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
- If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and sunglasses
- Avoid extreme physical exertion. it is important that outdoor workers stay out of the sun and take measures to keep cool and hydrated
- Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes
Cool yourself down:
- Have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.
- Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content.
- Take a cool shower, bath or body wash.
- Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck
- Seek medical advice if you have a chronic long-term condition or are taking multiple medications
- Keep medications that require storing below 25 degrees C in the refrigerator -follow storage instructions on packaging
Keep your environment cool
- Keeping your living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or who can’t look after themselves
- Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped.
- Close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun.
- Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat.
- If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping.
- Electric fans may provide some relief, if temperatures are below 35°C.
Look out for others
- Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool.
- Ensure that babies, children, elderly people and pets are not left alone in stationary cars.
- Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heatwave.
- Be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is unwell or further help is needed.
For information on heat-related illnesses and what to do should you or someone you know feel unwell visit the NHS website. Call NHS 111 or a GP if you or someone you know becomes unwell. Call 999 in an emergency.
Animal welfare advice in summer
Follow some top tips from the RSPCA for keeping pets cool in hot weather
Travel advice
Anyone who expects to be travelling next week should read the AA’s advice for planning ahead to avoid congestion and keeping everyone cool and well in hot cars.