WARRINGTON Borough Council’s public health team is asking residents to look out for others and to take extra care during the hot weather as the Met Office has issued a Level 3 heat wave alert across the region for the next 24 hours.
A heatwave alert means people should be aware of the actions to protect themselves from the possible health effects of hot weather.
Key health messages for staying safe:
•try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
•wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection, wear a hat and light scarf.
•wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes. This should minimise the risk of sunburn.
•avoid physical exertion
•drink plenty of cold drinks
•if you have a health problem, keep medicines below 25 °C or in the refrigerator
•look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as the older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses
•never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
Remember that it can get uncomfortably hot indoors too. Try to keep your bedroom and living space cool, by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and opening your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when safe to do so. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, (pictured) executive board member for public health and wellbeing, said: “In this continued hot weather, it’s important to remember that high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.
“The key message for healthy individuals is to follow public health messages on how to enjoy the sun safely by staying cool, drinking lots of cold fluids and checking on those you know are at risk.”
More information is available on the Cancer UK website – ways to enjoy the sun safely www.cancerresearchuk.org and the Heatwave Plan for England on the Gov.UK website www.gov.uk
1 Comment
Issued tea time today ?!? Have they only just seen the weather forecasts and noticed how hot it’s been for the past few days 😉