Heatwave advice
Whilst most of us enjoy sunny weather, the extreme heat of a
heatwave can be seriously damaging to the health, and can sometimes
be fatal. Updated guidance on how to cope in a heatwave has been
issued by the Government’s health adviser, as early indications
from the Met Office hint at a warmer
than average temperatures this summer.
Who is at risk during a heatwave?
Whilst extreme heat is dangerous to everyone,
it is especially so to babies and young children, older people,
those living in care homes, and those in certain at-risk
groups.
When temperatures remain abnormally high over
more than a couple of days, excessive heat can prove fatal. In one
hot spell in London in August 2003, deaths among people aged over
75 rose by 60 per cent.
The Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson,
said: “Although severe heatwaves are uncommon in England, the
experience across Northwest Europe in 2003 is a reminder that heat
can be fatal or, at the very least, can cause unnecessary
discomfort. “However, with the effects of climate change taking
place, the frequency and temperatures of heatwaves are predicted to
increase over time. During relatively mild heatwaves, excess
death rates are significantly, but avoidably, higher in this
country. Timely preventive measures can reduce these excess
rates.
“The elderly are particularly vulnerable and
it is important that those aged over 75, especially those who live
alone or in care homes, take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion
and heat stroke.
“If you care for people who could be at risk
during a heatwave, it's important that you plan ahead - taking
action in advance can help reduce the number of excess deaths from
heat. Proper preparedness is of the essence.”
How to cope with a heatwave
Health experts say it takes just two
consecutive days of heatwave temperatures to have a significant
effect on health. Heatwaves can lead to dehydration and heat
exhaustion or heat stroke, which can then cause irreversible damage
to various organs in the body and even lead to death.
Measures that everyone can take to protect
their own health are set out in the leaflet
‘Protecting health and reducing harm from extreme heat and
heatwaves’ (pdf file)
Key Advice
Plan your day so you stay out of the heat
Avoid going out between 11am and 3pm - the
hottest part of the day
If you go out,
stay in the shade, wear a hat and light, loose clothes
Carry water
Take cool showers or baths - splash yourself
with cold water, particularly
your face and the back of your neck
Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit
with a high water content
Look after older people. They are much more
prone to the effects of heat. If you have older relatives or
neighbours, check on them if possible every day and remind them to
drink plenty and often. Help them to keep their house as cool as
possible, drawing curtains, opening windows at night, or using a
fan, if necessary.
Heatwave Alerts
A Heat-Health Watch system, running from 1
June to 15 September and based on Met Office forecasts, will
trigger levels of response from the Department of Health and other
bodies.
This monitoring system will trigger one of four levels of
alert:-
Green -
Awareness – summer preparedness and long term planning
Amber –
Alert and Readiness – 60% risk of heatwave in three
days
Red – Heatwave
Action– heatwave temperatures reached in one or more
regions
Red
Emergency – Emergency - severe and
prolonged heatwave
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