Yellow heat-health alert issued for Warwickshire

A HEAT warning has been issued for Warwickshire for the rest of this week.

A yellow heat-health alert has been issued until 9pm Sunday September 10 for the county and the wider West Midlands area.

The hot weather is expected to pose challenges for vulnerable people or those who are already unwell, with the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke increasing for children, the elderly and people with long-term health conditions.

Public Health at Warwickshire County Council has issued health advice, adding that support from friends, family and neighbours may be critical for the safety of people in high-risk groups.

Coun Margaret Bell, the council’s spokeswoman for Adult Social Care and Health, said: “Throughout hot spells susceptible groups, such as older people, the very young and people with long term conditions, feel the severe effects of heat more than others and it’s long been known that death rates increase in heat waves.

“The greatest advice is to relax, stay cool, drink lots of cold liquids and, if you can, keep an eye on individuals you know to be at risk.

“It is important to recognise the health dangers that extreme heat can bring and know the signs of heat-related illnesses to try and avert these.

“Be a good neighbour, check in on friends, family and neighbours who may be vulnerable to the heat and make certain you protect yourself by taking all the required actions.”

Public Health Warwickshire issued the following guidance to try and keep people as safe and well as possible:

Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat.
Stay cool indoors: Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling.
Check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings.