Stay cool and look after each other

As the weather warms up, the UK Health Security Agency has issued a Level 2 Heat Health Alert for the North of England and the Met Office has issued Amber and Red Warning of Extreme Heat between Sunday and Tuesday affecting different areas of the North of England

• Amber Warning of Extreme Heat

Daytime temperatures are expected to rise to around 30 degrees Celsius with overnight temperatures in excess of 20 degrees Celsius in some areas.

Heat and your health

Whilst a sunny day is always welcome, prolonged periods of heat put extra stress on your body and cause you to lose fluids which can lead to a number of health issues from Heat Stroke to Circulatory problems. Being out and about in the sun can cause severe sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer. Some tips to keep you safe and cool can be found online:

• Cover up, wear a wide brimmed hat and apply sunscreen regularly
• Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol
• If you live alone or are vulnerable, ask a friend or neighbour to check up on you
• More advice and health tips can be found at:
  • Keep Cool at Home checklist from UK Government
  • NHS Livewell – How to cope in hot weather
  • AGE UK – Advice for older people in heatwaves

Helping each other

Many of us will be enjoying the warm weather but for more vulnerable people, this can be a time where their health suffers.

• Check on vulnerable friends and neighbours, especially if they live alone
• Never leave anyone or a pet in the car during the hot weather
• Keep an eye on children around pools and paddling pools
• Make sure everyone you are with wears sunscreen and is protected from the sun if outside
• Check for the signs of heat stroke:
  • NHS Heat stroke symptoms and treatment
• Additional pressure on water supply systems as people fill pools and take on more water may lead to disruption – check on neighbours to ensure they have enough fluids if you have a water issue.

Being a good neighbour

The good weather brings us out into our gardens to enjoy some much needed social time with our friends and families, but it is important that whilst we have fun, we are safe and consider our neighbours. Outdoor activities can be fun but can impact on other people’s enjoyment:

• If you are having a BBQ, ensure that it is not placed directly or near any plants or flammable surfaces
• Follow the BBQ safety guide 
• If you live in a scheme with other residents, BBQs are generally not permitted in the communal outdoor areas for safety reasons due to the enclosed nature and impact on vulnerable people. If you have any questions, please contact your scheme manager.

Remember that other people will have their windows open so please consider them and any noise from music or children playing – especially later in the evenings – why not use it as an opportunity to check in your neighbours and see if they are ok in the heat.