19 July 2016
Heatwave forecast
Level 2 heatwave alerts have been issued for the South West
region.
The Met Office has confirmed that threshold
temperatures over the next few days are high enough to have a
significant effect on health, especially on older people, infants,
or young children.
Public Health England advises people to keep
safe in the sun, seek shade to cool down and keep hydrated with
plenty of cool fluids.
- 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. Wear light,
loose-fitting cotton clothes. This should minimise the risk of
sunburn.
- avoid physical exertion
- drink plenty of cold drinks and when travelling ensure you take
water with you
- 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, older people, 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 face 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.
For more information on ways to enjoy
the sun safely click
here or for a keep cool at home checklist click here.
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