The Met Office yesterday (1 July) raised the heatwave alert to level 3 for London and South East England on behalf of the Department of Health (DH).
This means that high temperatures have been reached and sustained in one or more regions, with two consecutive very warm nights, a hot intervening day and a forecast of even higher temperatures for today and tomorrow.
The DH has reminded people to remain aware of the risks faced by elderly friends and relatives during a heatwave.
Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director of Public Health in the South East, said: “Everyone’s health can be affected by the heat, with greater risks of dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.”
People are advised to contact their local environmental health officer if they have concerns for themselves or a vulnerable friend, neighbour or relative. Environmental health practitioners at local authorities can visit to inspect the condition of a home for hazards to health, including excess heat.
- Top tips given by the DH for coping during a heatwave include:
- Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
- Shut and shade windows when it is hotter outside than inside and open them for ventilation when it is cooler outside.
- People with serious health problems (for example heart conditions), should avoid going out in the heat, especially between 11am and 3pm.
- Drink cold drinks like water or fruit juice regularly and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
- Stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with supplies – think of elderly neighbours who may need help with supplies.
- Keep plenty of water to hand and stay in the shade where possible
- Identify the coolest room in the house to use as a room to cool down or sleep in.
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