Be safe in summer heat | News and events

News from the Met Office that the mercury is continuing to rise, peaking with high temperatures at the weekend, has prompted The UK Health Security Agency East of England to repeat its advice on how to #beat the heat.

An amber heat health alert is in place from today 19 June to 9am on Monday 23 June and covers the East of England as well as, most other parts of the country. An amber alert is higher than the previous yellow alert that was in place earlier this week.

The Met Office has forecast temperatures of up to 32c on Saturday and data from UKHSA shows that at these forecasted temperatures, vulnerable groups and health care services can be impacted.

For the majority of people it is about common sense - staying cool, drinking plenty of water to maintain hydration, and avoiding sunburn. However, some groups can be particularly vulnerable and at much greater risk of harm, especially those over 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Looking out for vulnerable neighbours, friends and family is essential while most of England swelters under high temperatures.

David Edwards, Lead Consultant in Health Protection at UKHSA East of England, said: “Spells of hot weather like this are enjoyed by many of us, but they can make a very real impact on some people’s health.

“That’s why it’s so important we all keep an eye on those likely to be most at risk, people with underlying heart and lung conditions, older people and those with younger children. Some people in these groups may not be able to take steps to keep themselves cooler – so if you’re able, ask your friends, family and neighbours if they need any support.”

There are ways in which you can keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather, such as:

• Knowing the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
  keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
• If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
• Keeping out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
• If you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening
• Keep a close eye on older people, young children, and people with long term health conditions – their bodies can struggle to cope with the heat and they are at greater risk.
• Remember it is sometimes cooler sitting in a park under a tree than it is in a home that is too hot.
• Check weather forecasts and if you’re spending time outdoors remember to travel with bottled water, apply sunscreen frequently.

There are lots of useful tips and guidance on website and more detail available in the UKHSA’s Adverse Weather and Health Plan (AWHP) and Weather-Health Alerting (WHA) system, which issues Heat-Health Alerts (HHA). Up to date forecasts are available at www.metoffice.gov.uk.

UKHSA's data dashboard provides the latest details on HHAs currently in place and their duration, while our latest blog details how exactly heat impacts the body and what we can do to avoid the negative effects.