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Guidance Notes and Best Practice Guides
MCA: Double Olympic sailing gold medallist Shirley Robertson is helping the Maritime and Coastguard Agency to save lives this summer by presenting two new sailing safety video podcasts for their website. Her Majesty's Coastguard coordinate up to 3,000 leisure boat incidents per year and sadly 17 sailors lost their lives in 2008.
The new films cover essential topics including preparing the boat before you go, safety afloat, lifejackets, navigation, communications and training.
DH: Practical action to prepare for a potential heatwave is the central theme of the 2009 Heatwave Plan published by the Department of Health. People are advised to contact their local environmental health officer if they have concerns for themselves or a vulnerable friend, neighbour or relative. Environmental health workers at local authorities can visit to inspect the condition of a home for hazards to health, including excess heat.
The Heatwave Plan for 2009 has been updated with extra guidance that outlines the benefits of insulating houses to keep them cool during summer months and warm during the winter, while also reducing fuel costs and carbon emissions. Grants are available to help homeowners who want to install cavity and roof insulation - the plan outlines how to access these.
Press release ~ 2009 Heatwave Plan (scroll down for further related guidance) ~ Advice for Teachers ~ Met Office: Heat-Health Watch (Service resumes 01/06/2009) ~ Cancer Research UK SunSmart campaign ~ UK National Air Quality Archive: Home
