Top ways for staying safe in the heat
· Look out for others, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses
· never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
· Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
· If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
· Avoid physical exertion
· Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes
· Drink plenty of cold drinks
· If you have a health problem, keep medicines below 25 °C or in the refrigerator
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 receive 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.
Dr Angie Bone, Head of Extreme Events at PHE, said:
In this continued hot weather, 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.
During very hot weather, pregnant women and people who have chronic illnesses, including cardiovascular, respiratory, renal conditions, diabetes or Parkinson’s disease, may experience discomfort if indoor temperatures are particularly hot and in using public transport. Employers should ensure indoor areas are kept cool and consider allowing these individuals to travel to or from their place of work during cooler, or less busy times of the day.
For those working or exercising outdoors, strenuous physical exertion during the hottest part of the day should be kept to a minimum. The key message for healthy individuals is to follow public health advice on how to enjoy the sun safely by staying cool, drinking lots of cold fluids and checking on those you know are at risk.
Public Health England