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HEATWAVE WARNING ISSUED – LEVEL 3

News Release issued by the Government News Network on 01 July 2009

The highest temperatures today will be to the west of London where 31-32 degrees celsius should be reached. Temperatures of up to 33 degrees celsius are expected in London by tomorrow. These hot conditions will persist until Friday, with lower temperatures moving in by the weekend.

This has triggered heatwave plan alert level three. This means that high temperatures have been reached and sustained in one or more regions, with two consecutive very warm nights, a hot intervening day and a forecast of even higher temperatures for today and tomorrow.

English regions particularly affected by the heatwave and which have reached criteria for level three include London and the South East.

The Department of Health is reminding people to remain aware of the risks faced by elderly friends and relatives during a heatwave.

Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director of Public Health in the South East said:

“Everyone’s health can be affected by the heat, with greater risks of dehydration, sunburn, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Those most at risk are the very young and the very old, and people who already have health conditions, especially heart and respiratory problems – the heat can make their symptoms worse.”

Although ozone levels increase in hot weather, they drop in the evening. Windows should be kept shaded and closed when the temperature is hotter outside than inside. People with respiratory problems should stay inside during the hottest part of the day.

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 practitioners at local authorities can visit to inspect the condition of a home for hazards to health, including excess heat.

Top tips for coping during a heatwave include:

• Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
• Shut and shade windows when it is hotter outside than inside and open them for ventilation when it is cooler outside.
• People with serious health problems (for example heart conditions), should avoid going out in the heat, especially between 11am and 3pm.
• Drink cold drinks like water or fruit juice regularly and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
• Stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with supplies – think of elderly neighbours who may need help with supplies.
• Keep plenty of water to hand and stay in the shade where possible
• Identify the coolest room in the house to use as a room to cool down or sleep in.

Contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or NHS Direct Online at www.nhs.uk for advice about heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

1. The Department of Health’s Heatwave Plan is available at: http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_084670

1. The Heatwave Plan operates from 1 June to 15 September each year, and is based on information provided by the Met Office, which trigger alert levels according to ‘threshold temperatures’.

The four levels are:

Level 1 – Summer Preparedness and Long-term Planning: Green
Level 2 – Alert and Readiness: Amber
Level 3 – Heatwave Action: Red
Level 4 – Emergency: Red Emergency


Threshold temperatures

Region	Day	Night - (degrees Centigrade)
London	32	18
South East	31	16
South West	30	15
Eastern	30	15
West Mids	30	15
East Mids	30	15
North West	30	15
Yorks & Humber	29	15
North East	28	15

3.The Energy Saving Trust is able to provide practical advice and give information about grants that might be eligible. They can be contacted on 0800 512 012.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke both require urgent treatment.

Heat Exhaustion	Heatstroke
Symptoms - headaches - dizziness - nausea and vomiting - muscle weakness or cramps - pale skin and high temperature	Symptoms - headaches - nausea - intense thirst - sleepiness - hot, red, and dry skin - sudden rise in temperature - aggression, confusion, convulsions or loss of consciousness
What to do	What to do
- Move somewhere cool - Drink plenty of water or fruit juice - Take a lukewarm shower, or sponge yourself with cold water If symptoms persist contact one of the sources below	· CALL 999 Whilst you wait for the ambulance: Move the person to somewhere cooler Loosen clothes, sprinkle them with cool water or use a damp sheet/cloth If conscious, give them water Do not give them paracetamol or aspirin

Sources of help

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

Information from NHS Choices www.nhs.uk

• Contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or NHS Direct Online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk for advice about heat exhaustion and heatstroke or other health problems.

• You can get advice on protecting your skin during hot weather from the Cancer Research UK SunSmart campaign website at http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/healthyliving/sunsmart/ Heatstroke can develop without warning and can kill. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 999 immediately The four alert levels are: 1. This is the ‘normal’ state. No more than 50% risk of heatwave. Normal activity to remind people of the risks of extreme heat and the need to keep cool. 2. Alert and Readiness. 60% chance that ‘threshold’ temperatures will be reached for two or more days. 3. Heatwave action. Triggered when threshold temperatures have been reached in one or more regions. 4. Triggered when the heatwave is so severe or prolonged that its effects extend outside health and social care, such as power or water shortages.