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
- 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.