Keep yourself and others safe during this Heatwave

After the Met Office issued its first ever extreme heat warning this week, Somerset County Council is asking everyone to take care and keep an eye out for vulnerable friends and neighbours.

The hot weather is forecast to continue over the next few days and Cllr Clare Paul, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, is encouraging everyone to stay cool safely indoors, drink plenty of fluids and avoid the sun between 11 am to 3 pm, the hottest part of the day.

Councillor Clare Paul said: “It is lovely to see the sunshine out, but I urge you to enjoy the sunshine in a safe way. Keep an eye on anyone you know who might be struggling to cope particularly older people and those with underlying health conditions. Make sure they are keeping their home cool, drinking plenty of water and not doing any strenuous activity.

“With lockdown measures easing this week you may be looking forward to getting out and enjoying the sunshine. If you’re out and about, please remember you can still catch and spread Coronavirus - we encourage you to continue to social distance, wear a face mask in enclosed spaces and wash your hands regularly. To stay safe from the heat, apply sunscreen regularly, stay hydrated, and protect your head from the sun by wearing a sunhat.”

Heat exhaustion can usually be treated by moving someone to a cooler place and giving fluids. If you are still concerned about someone’s health and well-being because of the heat, call the NHS 111 service who can give you advice over the phone or refer you to the most appropriate health setting.

Top tips:

• Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions.
• Stay cool indoors: open windows when the air feels cooler outside than inside; shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight.
• Move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping.
• Keep drinks within easy reach, water is better than sugary or caffeinated drinks for staying hydrated. Avoid excess alcohol.
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
• Try to keep out of the sun between 11 am to 3 pm.
• If meeting in a local park, it’s safer to continue observing social distancing rules.

For more information on the common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke visit NHS Choices.

Check the weather forecast and any high-temperature health warnings at www.metoffice.gov.uk

Watch Sparky the dragon explain his top 5 tips to protect yourself in the sun.