Heatwave alert issued
With the weather forecast predicting scorching temperatures on Wednesday through to Friday, Slough’s public health team are offering top tips on keeping cool.
A level 2 heatwave warning has been issued by the Met Office for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; meaning daytime and night time temperatures will be high.
Though most people can enjoy the warm weather, heatwave conditions can be dangerous for the very young, older people and those with chronic health conditions.
As well as issuing top tips the council’s public health team are advising residents to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and seek medical advice from NHS 111 if someone is feeling unwell or showing concerning symptoms. A list of symptoms and advice on what to do can be found here: http://nhs.uk/heatwave
Many of those who are at risk of harm from heat are also at greater risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 and may need to spend more time at home than they would usually. Others may need to stay at home because they are self-isolating or recovering from the infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, and during extended periods of time at home, it’s especially important that you know what actions to take to keep yourself and others safe from high temperatures.
And some tips for coping in hot weather:
• Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and diluted fruit juice. Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine (tea, coffee and cola) or drinks high in sugar.
• Use hand sanitiser as part of your hygiene routine when soap & water are unavailable - but don’t leave alcohol based hand sanitisers in the car - in hot weather flammable vapours can cause a fire.
• Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors.
• Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don't go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you're vulnerable to the effects of heat.
• Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it's safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler.
• Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn't possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).
• Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
• Listen to alerts on the radio, TV and social media about keeping cool.
• Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.
• Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
• Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves .
Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for those particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.
“If anyone knows someone who might be at special risk, please make sure they know what to do.
“We want everyone to be as safe as possible in these conditions, so advise everyone to stay out of the sun as much as possible, keep their homes cool during the day and also ensure lots of fluids are drunk.”
A level 2 heatwave warning has been issued by the Met Office for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; meaning daytime and night time temperatures will be high.
Though most people can enjoy the warm weather, heatwave conditions can be dangerous for the very young, older people and those with chronic health conditions.
As well as issuing top tips the council’s public health team are advising residents to familiarise themselves with the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and seek medical advice from NHS 111 if someone is feeling unwell or showing concerning symptoms. A list of symptoms and advice on what to do can be found here: http://nhs.uk/heatwave
Many of those who are at risk of harm from heat are also at greater risk of severe illness due to COVID-19 and may need to spend more time at home than they would usually. Others may need to stay at home because they are self-isolating or recovering from the infection. During the COVID-19 pandemic, and during extended periods of time at home, it’s especially important that you know what actions to take to keep yourself and others safe from high temperatures.
And some tips for coping in hot weather:
• Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and diluted fruit juice. Avoid excess alcohol, caffeine (tea, coffee and cola) or drinks high in sugar.
• Use hand sanitiser as part of your hygiene routine when soap & water are unavailable - but don’t leave alcohol based hand sanitisers in the car - in hot weather flammable vapours can cause a fire.
• Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors.
• Avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don't go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you're vulnerable to the effects of heat.
• Shut windows and pull down the shades when it is hotter outside. If it's safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler.
• Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn't possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed (metallic blinds and dark curtains can make the room hotter).
• Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water.
• Listen to alerts on the radio, TV and social media about keeping cool.
• Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need.
• Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
• Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves .
Councillor Natasa Pantelic, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for those particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.
“If anyone knows someone who might be at special risk, please make sure they know what to do.
“We want everyone to be as safe as possible in these conditions, so advise everyone to stay out of the sun as much as possible, keep their homes cool during the day and also ensure lots of fluids are drunk.”
