We’re all aware of the rising temperatures this summer. In July, a national emergency was been declared and a red extreme heat warning was issued by the Met Office as temperatures in part of the UK exceeded 40oC. This month, temperatures are set to increase again and a level 3 heat alert has been declared until 14th August.
Below are a list of resources and information to ensure you stay safe in the heat.
Impacts of Hot Weather (Met Office guidance)
Whilst many of us like to enjoy the sunshine and hot weather, we should make sure we do it safely and remember certain groups of people are more vulnerable than others to heat or ultraviolet radiation.
Hot weather places a strain on the heart and lungs. For that reason, the majority of serious illness and deaths caused by heat are respiratory and cardiovascular. Older people, those with pre-existing health conditions and young children are particularly at risk. Overexposure to the sun is equally dangerous, with effects ranging from mild sunburn to skin cancer. It doesn’t have to be hot for the UV index to be high.
Leading health organisations across the UK recommend:
- Try to keep your house cool, closing blinds or curtains can help.
- At night, keep your sleeping area well ventilated. Night cooling is important as it allows the body to recuperate.
- Try to stay cool by taking cool showers or baths and/or sprinkle yourself several times a day with cold water.
- Avoid too much exercise when very hot, which can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke, and watch for signs of heat stress - an early sign is fatigue.
- Drink plenty of fluids, but not alcohol, which dehydrates the body.
- Try to eat as you normally would. Not eating properly may exacerbate health-related problems.
- Keep your vehicle well ventilated to avoid drowsiness. Take plenty of water with you and have regular rest breaks.
- If you have vulnerable neighbours who may be at risk during a heatwave, try to find out if someone is already looking after them or if they would like you to ring them daily.
- If you do go out for exercise or into your garden, try to avoid the hottest part of the day (11 am to 3 pm) and seek shade where possible. Avoid being in the sun for long stretches. Wear lightweight, light-coloured clothing, high factor sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
- The UV index (the strength of the sun) can be high at many times of the year - it doesn't have to be hot. The UV index can be strong through cloud even when the sun isn't directly shining.
- Reapply an appropriate factor sun cream at regular intervals during the day.
What should Community and Voluntary sector groups do to prepare for severe weather?
Heatwave is forecast – alert and readiness (Level 2)
- Keep an eye on people you know to be at risk
- Stay tuned into the weather forecast and keep stocked with food and medications
- Check ambient room temperatures
Heatwave Action (Level 3 – National Emergency)
- Activate community emergency plan
- Follow key public health messages
- Check those you know are at high risk*
Major incident emergency response (Level 4)
- Central government will declare a Level 4 alert in the event of severe or prolonged heatwave affecting sectors other than health and if requiring coordinated multi-agency response.
*High risk groups – Over 75, female, living on own and isolated, severe physical or mental illness; urban areas, south facing top flat; alcohol or drug dependency, homeless, babies and young children, multiple medications and over exertion.
Download the full Heatwave Plan for England: Protecting Health and reducing harm from severe heat and heatwaves here.
Find the Community and Voluntary Sector Level 0 – 4 planning on page 25
Key Public Health Messages
Stay out of the heat
- Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen, wear a hat and light scarf
- Avoid extreme physical exertion
- Wear loose, light fitting clothes
Cool yourself down
- Have plenty of cold drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
- Eat cold foods like salad and fruit, with high water content
- Take a cold shower
- Keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck
Keep your environment cool
- Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped
- Close curtains to block out morning or afternoon sun
- Turn off non-essential electricals and lights, they generate heat
- Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation cools the air
- Move into a cooler room to sleep, if possible
- Use an electric fan, if room temperature is below 35C
Message adapted from the World Health Organization’s Europe public health advice on preventing health effects of heat.
Update from Northern Powergrid
Our electricity network is operating as normal, however, we wanted to reassure you that we are closely monitoring the weather across our operating area which covers the North East, Yorkshire and northern Lincolnshire and are prepared for any potential impact.
Support for our customers
You can find information on how to cope in the heatwave on the NHS website.
If you experience a power cut, the easiest way to report and access the latest information is via our website www.northernpowergrid.com/power-cuts, alternatively our teams are available 24/7 by calling 105.
You can also find some useful hints and tips on our website at www.northernpowergrid.com/what-to-do-in-a-power-cut
Customers with a disability, medical condition or very young families, who may need greater assistance during a power cut and have signed up to our Priority Services Membership, will be kept updated as a priority.
For any customers on our Priority Services Membership who may require further support, you can contact our dedicated priority service line 0800 169 2996.
If you have additional needs due to your medical or personal circumstances, and are not part of our Priority Services Membership, you should consider joining for free by visiting Priority Services Membership | Northern Powergrid
Spread the word
Share this advice with your community to ensure everyone stays safe. You can download and share the poster below to help.
British Red Cross have translated heat health advice into 8 languages for you to share in your community.