Heatwave
Although many of us enjoy being out in the sun during the summer it is important to be properly prepared to prevent ill-health.
Those at most risk during a heatwave include:
- Babies and young children.
- Older people.
- People with breathing or heart problems.
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NEVER leave children or animals in parked cars in the sun, even on cool days. |
The risks include:
- Dehydration. The loss of water containing important blood salts from the body, leading to confusion, lethargy and problems with breathing and heart rate.
- Heat stroke or exhaustion. Normally when we get hot the body produces sweat which evaporates from our skin and keeps us cool. This system can fail when it is extremely hot and the body temperature can rise dangerously high.
- Sunburn. This shows your skin has been damaged. Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer such as melanoma.
Take Care of Yourselves and Others When Going Out In the Sun
- Have plenty of cold fluids available.
- Wear lightweight, light coloured clothes, a hat and sunglasses.
- Apply sunscreen with a protection factor of at least 15 and reapply during the day.
During a heatwave:
- Close curtains or blinds to try to keep your house cool.
- Drink plenty of fluids, take water with you when you go out.
- Avoid alcohol which dehydrates the body.
- Eat normally but avoid hot or heavy food, include salad and fruit that contain water.
- Keep your sleeping area well ventilated.
- Visit people you know who are in the risk groups to check they are OK.
- Have cool showers or baths or apply cool water to your face and neck during the day.
- Try to avoid going out during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm).
- Seek shady areas where possible.
- Avoid strenuous activity or exercise, do work such as gardening during the cooler part of the day.
Heat-Health Watch
The Met Office runs a Heat-Health Watch 
from 1 June to 15 September each year, this has four levels:
- Level 1 Awareness
- Level 2 Alert
- Level 3 Heatwave
- Level 4 Emergency
The levels are based upon threshold maximum daytime and minimum night-time temperatures that could have an effect on health if reached for two consecutive days and the night in between.
Full details on the Heat-Health Watch can be found via the Met Office
Heatwave Plan for England
The Department of Health has issued heatwave guidance documents on its website on protecting your health during a heatwave:
- Heatwave: Plan for England - protecting health and reducing harm from extreme heat and heatwaves
- Heatwave: Leaflet: a guide to looking after yourself and others
- Heatwave: Supporting vulnerable people before and during a heatwave - advice for care home managers and staff
- Heatwave: Supporting vulnerable people during a heatwave - advice for health and social care professionals
