Keeping ourselves, our community and our NHS protected in extreme heat -

The Met Office has issued extreme heat weather warnings (Red and Amber) for our region on Monday and Tuesday next week, developing from Sunday.

This means that a hot or exceptional hot spell is expected, leading to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.

What to expect (Taken from Met Office Red and Amber Guidance)

Adverse health effects experienced, which may lead to serious illness or danger to life. Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.
Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines are likely or will be required
Potential high risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, potentially leading to localised loss of power and other essential services, such as water or mobile phone services
Significantly more people visiting coastal areas, lakes, and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents
Delays on roads and road closures, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with the potential for significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays

We can all play a role in keeping ourselves, our community and our NHS protected during this time.

Please think about the following:

Keep in touch and informed

Look after yourself, your family and in particular older people and the young.
Listen to the weather forecast and the news (local and national).
Plan ahead to avoid the heat and any resulting disruption to services and infrastructure.

Check on others

Check on older people or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during hot weather.
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.

Keep well

Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, and if you need to travel, take plenty of water for the journey.
Dress appropriately for the weather.
Slow down and avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day – which could mean avoiding exercise altogether.

Stay cool

Stay cool when indoors – many of us will need to work at home, so know how to keep your home cool.
Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
If possible and safe, open windows at night if it feels cooler outside.
Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat.
Cars get hot, avoid closed spaces and only travel is essential.
During the hottest periods find the coolest part of your home or garden/outside or local green space to sit in. If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.
Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
If you are going into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice

Watch out

Be on the lookout for signs of heat related illness.
Cool your skin with water, slow down and drink water.
Stay safe when swimming.
If you do become sunburnt, you can usually treat is yourself with over-the-counter remedies from your pharmacy, though in serious cases, you may need to call NHS 111 or visit 111 online.