The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued an amber heat-health alert (HHA) from 9am tomorrow (Tuesday 12 August) until 6pm on Wednesday 13 August. The good news is, we can all take precautions that allow us to enjoy the hot weather safely and help people who might be more vulnerable as the temperatures rise.
Vulnerable people
• Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot, but some are at higher risk than others. Look out for older people, people with long-term health conditions and young children who may find it more difficult to stay cool and hydrated in hot weather
• Check in on older friends, family and neighbours, particularly those who live alone, who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated during the hot weather
• Don’t leave babies, children, older people or vulnerable people or pets alone in stationary cars in hot weather
• Look out for children in prams or pushchairs in hot weather; keep them in the shade, remove excess clothing, ensure there is adequate air flow and check regularly to
ensure they are not overheated
Keeping yourself cool
• The best thing to do in the hot weather is stay out of the direct sun, especially during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm, as UV rays are strongest during
these hours
• If you’re going out in the hot weather, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen, wear a hat, sunglasses and light, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothes
• Apply sunscreen frequently of at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 star ultraviolet A (UVA) protection regularly to exposed skin
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol during the hot weather
• Avoid extreme physical exertion during the hot weather. If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, keep it for cooler parts of the day such as early morning or evening
Symptoms of heat related illnesses
• Look out for symptoms of heat related illnesses in yourself and others during hot weather
• If you or others feel dizzy, weak, sick or are intensely thirsty during hot weather, this may be heat exhaustion. Move to a cool place, rehydrate and cool your body down
• Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms and drink plenty of cool drinks. Seek medical attention if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms
persist
• A high temperature, confusion and breathing fast can be symptoms of heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. Other serious symptoms include skin that is no longer
sweating and seizures. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 999, put them in the recovery position and keep trying to cool the person down.
How to cool down (if you or someone else has heat exhaustion)
• Move to a cooler place such as a room with air conditioning or somewhere in the shade
• Remove all unnecessary clothing like a jacket or socks
• Drink cool water, a sports or rehydration drink, or eat cold and water rich foods like ice-lollies
• Apply cool water by spray or sponge to exposed skin, and using cold packs wrapped in a cloth and put under the armpits or on the neck can also help