Herefordshire residents advised to take care during unusually hot weather.
Herefordshire may experience heatwave conditions over the next few days, according to forecasts. The Met Office this week declared a Level 2 heat-health alert. This means there is a 60 per cent chance of temperatures being high enough on at least two consecutive days to have significant effects on health.
The Met Office’s top advice for being sun safe:
- 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 and light scarf
- Avoid extreme physical exertion
- Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes
- Cool yourself down
- Have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
- Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high-water content
- Take a cool shower, bath or body wash
- Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck
Remember, it can get uncomfortably hot indoors, too. Try to keep your bedroom and living space cool by closing the curtains on windows that face the sun and opening your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when you can. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat.
Look after vulnerable people when it’s hot
While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for vulnerable people, older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.
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. Therefore, it's important to look out for them and keep indoor areas as cool as possible.
Matt Pearce, Herefordshire Council’s director of public health, says:
“Whilst it’s great to have some nice weather, it’s important that we take the necessary precautions to enjoy it safely and look out for those in the community who are at risk from the effects of heat.”
For more information, see help and advice on the Talk Community website, the government’s heatwave plan for England and NHS guidance.