Most of England is under yellow heat health alerts that will remain in force in regions including the South West until 5pm on Thursday.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the yellow alert, indicating that weather conditions could pose a risk to those who are particularly vulnerable.
Reports suggest that Wednesday is likely to be the hottest day this week in England and Wales. Night times are also predicted to be warmer and more humid than usual.
Tina Henry, Devon’s Deputy Director of Public Health, said:
“The Yellow Alert issued by the UKHSA is a reminder to us of the risk that higher temperatures can have on certain, more vulnerable groups in our community. Older people, as well as the very young, can find it more difficult to regulate their own temperatures when the weather outside is hot, leading in some cases to them becoming unwell. Other factors can also make people vulnerable, but there are simple steps that we can all take to keep ourselves, and friends and family, safe during these hotter spells, and I encourage people to re-familiarise themselves with the advice.”
Who is vulnerable?
According to the UKHSA, there are certain factors that increase an individual’s risk during hotter weather. These include:
- older people aged over 65 years
- babies and young children under the age of 5 years
- people with underlying health conditions, particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease or mobility problems
- pregnant women
- people on certain medications
- people with serious mental health problems
- people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)
- people with alcohol or drug dependence
- people who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists and walkers
- people who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
- people experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or those living in hostels
- people who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
What can we do to stay safe?
There are a few very simple things we can all to do stay safe when we experience very high temperatures.
- look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
- stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
- walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
- avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
- take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
- check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke
Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.
Heat exhaustion can include:
- a headache
- dizziness and confusion
- loss of appetite and feeling sick
- excessive sweating and pale, clammy skin
- cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- fast breathing or pulse
- a high temperature of 38C or above
- being very thirsty
The symptoms are often the same in adults and children, although children may become floppy and sleepy.
If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, they need to be cooled down. To do this you should:
- Move them to a cool place
- Get them to lie down and raise their feet slightly
- Get them to drink plenty of water. Sports or rehydration drinks are okay
- Cool their skin – spray or sponge them with cool water and fan them. Cold packs around the armpits or neck are good, too
- Stay with them until they’re better. They should start to cool down and feel better within 30 minutes
You should call 999 if you or someone you are with is showing any of the signs of heatstroke:
- feeling unwell after 30 minutes of resting in a cool place and drinking plenty of water
- not sweating even while feeling too hot
- a high temperature of 40C or above
- fast breathing or shortness of breath
- feeling confused
- a fit (seizure)
- loss of consciousness
- not responsive
The NHS website has more information on heat exhaustion and heat stroke.