Cllr Maureen McLaughlin
AS the temperature soared in Warrington today, the borough council’s public health team asked residents to take extra care.
The Met Office issued a Level 2 heatwave alert across the North West for the next 24 hours with a peak temperature in Warrington predicted to be 32 degree.
Tomorrow, however, the forecast is for a peak temperature of 24 degrees, with cooler weather expected towards the end of the week.
A council spokesperson said a heatwave alert means people should be aware of the actions they can take to protect themselves from the possible health effects of hot weather.
Key messages are:
*The sun is at its hottest between 11am and 3pm so keep out of it as much as possible.
*If you have to go out, walk in the shade, apply a sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf.
*Avoid extreme physical exertion
*Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes
*Have plenty of cold drinks, 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
*Keep your living space cool
*Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open
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
*|Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air
*Electric fans may provide some relief, if temperatures are below 35 degrees.
Cllr Maureen McLaughlin, the council’s member for public health and wellbeing, said: “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 messages for healthy individuals are to enjoy the sun safely by staying cool, drinking lots of cold fluids and checking on those you know are at risk.”
