HOT weather is set to continue across the West Midlands over the coming days, with the UK Health Security Agency issuing a red heat health alert – indicating a significant risk to life even for the healthy population.
The red alert is in effect from 1am tomorrow (June 24) and will be in place until 11am on Thursday (June 25) . But the extreme hot weather is expected to continue throughout the entire week.
In order to help people stay safe during the hot weather, health and care organisations are encouraging people to be prepared and take action to keep themselves and their homes safe.
While many people enjoy warmer summer weather, hot weather can cause some people to become unwell through overheating (becoming uncomfortably hot), dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
But people can keep themselves and their families safe by taking some simple actions, including:
· If you are going to do a physical activity (for example exercise or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the early morning or the evening
· Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
· Drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake
· Try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest
· If you are going out during this time, cover up with suitable clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen liberally and re-apply frequently
· Never leave children, older people or pets in parked cars
While anyone can be affected by hot weather, especially during a red heat health alert, those who are vulnerable are at even greater risk of becoming unwell, including older people, babies and young children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions.
In order to protect these groups, people are being asked to check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you.
People are also being reminded to look out for the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which includes dizziness, headaches, heavy sweating, weakness and feeling sick. If symptoms do not improve within 30 minutes, or someone shows signs of heatstroke such as confusion, fast breathing or hot skin without sweating, call 999 immediately.
Anyone concerned about their own or someone else’s health, can use NHS111 to get advice and support. If it is a life-threatening emergency, then call 999 as soon as possible.
Further advice is available on the UK Health Security Agency website.
