Keep cool and stay safe in the hot weather
The Met Office has issued a level 3 heat health alert for much of the UK, including the south east. This alert is currently in place until Sunday 14 August, but this will be reviewed each day
While many people enjoy the warmer weather, prolonged hot weather can be particularly difficult for people who are more vulnerable such as older people, anyone with a serious or long-term illness, people who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places, and can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Councillor Sue Shanks, chair of the Health & Wellbeing Board said:
“A lot of heatwave advice is common sense – drinking water, closing curtains and staying in the shade – but some people may struggle to recognise the risk to them from the heat.
“Please check in with any friends, family or neighbours who may be more vulnerable in the hot weather to make sure they have the support they need.”
Look out for others
Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, young children, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
Stay hydrated
Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of water and avoiding excess alcohol.
Carry a bottle with you and use the drinking water fountains and bottle filling points available in the city.
Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling.
Keep homes and vehicles cool
Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors in the shade than indoors.
Check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly and check that medicines are stored at the right temperatures according to the instructions on the packaging.
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
If you have to go out in the sun
Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen (at least spf 30) and wear a wide-brimmed hat and loose-fitting clothing. Avoid unnecessary physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
Be careful in the sea
If you’re going into the water to cool down, please take care. You should only swim in the lifeguarded areas between the red and yellow flags.
The beach shelving can be very steep which means the water is deep quickly. Please supervise your children at all times at the water’s edge.
And remember, it’s never safe to go into the sea when you’ve been drinking alcohol.
If you're struggling in the water, you should remember to float to live.
If you spot an emergency, please stay on land and call 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
Look out for signs of heat related illness
If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion, cool the skin with water, slow down and drink water.
Heat exhaustion is not usually serious if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.
Call NHS 111 if you need medical help or in an emergency dial 999.
Keep pets cool too
Don’t forget to look after your pets in the heat. Make sure they have water and shade and don’t leave them in closed parked cars.
Further information and advice
- Common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke (www.nhs.uk)
- Heatwave advice: how to cope in hot weather (www.nhs.uk)
- Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist (GOV.UK) – checklist identifies suitable actions people can take to protect themselves during periods of hot weather.
- Beat the Heat: poster that can be displayed in buildings (GOV.UK)
- Translated versions of the UKHSA Beat the Heat poster are available in 20 languages thanks to Birmingham City Council.
- Watch this video showing some of the potential dangers of a family day at the beach.
More detailed guidance, including for those working in health and social care or with younger people can be found in the Heatwave Plan for England.
