A HEATWAVE is set to hit Warwickshire this weekend prompting health warnings.
Met Office forecasts say Warwickshire and other parts of the country are at risk of the ‘heatwave’ conditions.
Dr John Linnane, Director of Public Health for Warwickshire, said: “Warnings that a heatwave may be imminent are triggered when the Met Office forecasts that there is a 60% chance of temperatures being high enough on at least two consecutive days and the intervening night to have a significant effect on health.
“This warning happens two or three days before a heatwave is expected to occur, as this is a critical stage to ensure readiness and swift action to reduce harm from a potential heatwave.
“During hot spells vulnerable groups, such as the older people, feel the acute effects of heat more than others and it’s long been recognised that death rates rise in the early stages of heatwaves.”
The following advice has been issued to try and keep people healthy in the sun and heat:
* Ttry 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 hat and light scarf
* Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes
* Drink lots of cool drinks
* Look out for others especially older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses
* Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
Dr Rob Carr, PHE West Midlands Health Protection Team director, added: “While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.
“The Heatwave Plan is an important component of overall emergency planning and sets out a series of clear actions that can be taken by healthcare organisations, local authorities, professionals working with vulnerable people, and individuals to help keep people safe during extreme heat. To prepare for any type of hot weather this summer, we strongly encourage each locality to consider the actions in this plan and adapt them to their local situation, as a component of wider resilience planning and long-term climate change adaptation arrangements.
“Everyone can enjoy the sun safely by keeping out of the heat at the hottest time of the day, avoiding sunburn and staying hydrated with plenty of cool drinks. Older people and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather, so it’s important to look out for them and keep indoor areas as cool as possible.”
See the Heatwave Plan for England for more information or http://sunsmart.org.uk/UV-the-sun-and-skin-cancer/how-to-enjoy-the-sun-safely/
