Prolonged periods of hot, dry weather can impact us in many ways. It can take its toll on our health, particularly with the elderly and young, and it can increase the risk of outdoor fires which impacts people’s safety.
What can you do?
In warmer weather, keep an eye out for Met Office warnings. The Met Office tracks weather and issues a warning if a heatwave is predicted.
Much of the advice to follow is common sense. Below is advice from health organisations to help you cope in the warmer weather:
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 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 wide brimmed hat and light, loose-fitting cotton clothes. This should minimise the risk of sunburn
- Drink lots of cool drinks and when travelling ensure you take water with you
- Look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially older people, infants, young children or animals
- If medicines are sensitive to temperature it may be worth keeping them in the fridge
- Children should not take part in vigorous physical activity on very hot days, such as when temperatures are above 30°C
- 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.
Preventing fires
During periods of hot weather and no rain, when grass, vegetation and shrubland are very dry, there is a greater risk of fires starting outdoors. You can help prevent outdoor fires by following a few simple tips.
How to cope in hot weather
Information about how to cope in hot weather can be found on the NHS website.
The UKHSA has also released guidance to Beat the Heat, which can be found on the Government's website.