Heatwave

We have reports that there is an 80% probability of heatwave conditions between 1200 on Tuesday and 0600 on Thursday in parts of England.  To prevent major and avoidable effects on health during severe heat Public Health England recommends:-

Stay out of the heat

• Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
• If you go out in the heat walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf
• Avoid extreme physical exertion
• Wear light, loose fittings cotton clothes

Cool yourself down

• Have plenty of cold drinks, and 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

Look out for others

• Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool
• Ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars
• Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heatwave
• Be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is unwell or further help is needed.

If you have a health problem

• Keep medicines below 25C or in the refrigerator (read storage instructions on the packaging)
• Seek medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking multiple medications

If you or others feel unwell

• Try to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache; move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature
• Drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate
• Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or abdomen, in many cases after sustained exercise during very hot weather), and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes
• Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than one hour
• Consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or symptoms persist

Keep your environment cool

• Keeping your living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or who can't look after themselves
• Place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the temperature
• Keeps windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped
• Close curtains that receive the morning or afternoon sun, however, care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains as these can absorb heat - consider replacing or putting reflective material in-between them and the window space
• 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
• If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping
• Electric fans may provide some relief, if temperatures are below 35C

(longer term)

• Consider putting up external shading outside windows
• Use pale, reflective external paints
• Have your loft and cavity walls insulated - this keeps the heat in when it is cold and out when it is hot
• Grow trees and leafy plants near windows to act as natural air-conditioners