Government issues advice on staying safe in hot weather during heat-health alert

Laura Cross

27 June 2024 at 6:04 am·3-min read

There's things you can do to help keep yourself cool during this heatwave — -Credit: (Image: Getty)

A yellow heat-health warning has been issued for Yorkshire and the Humber, set to last until 5pm on Thursday, 27 June.

With the arrival of sunny weather, it's crucial to remind family and friends about the importance of staying safe in hot conditions.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council has released some handy information on how we can all look after ourselves during the heatwave.

Read more:

The council is asking that people consider reaching out to friends, family or neighbours to see if they require any assistance in staying cool during this period, as well as ensuring everyone is equipped with sun hats, sunscreen and plenty of water. It also advises familiarising yourself with the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, as detailed on the NHS website: Heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

East Riding of Yorkshire Council also suggests the following:

If you're planning to head outdoors or travel, remember to carry plenty of water or other hydrating drinks with you.
Shield yourself from the sun during its peak hours, typically between 11am and 3pm.
Keep your home cool by shutting windows, blinds, and curtains in rooms that are exposed to the sun.
If you venture outside, wear a suitable hat and sunglasses, seek shade, and apply sunscreen (with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and 4 or 5 star ultraviolet A (UVA) protection).
Plan any exercise or dog walks for cooler times of the day, such as early morning or evening.
For children in prams or pushchairs, ensure they are in the shade, remove excess clothing, ensure there is adequate air flow and regularly check the child to ensure they are not overheated.
Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be more susceptible to becoming unwell due to the heat, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you.
If someone is overheating, they should drink cool water, a sports or rehydration drink, or consume cold and water-rich foods like ice-lollies or watermelon.
Water and diluted squash or lower fat milks are good choices to drink when it's hot. Fruit juice, smoothies and soft drinks can be high in sugar which dehydrates the body, as does alcohol!

As well as looking after yourself and others, there's plenty you can do around the home to help keep your surroundings cool. Indoor temperatures can often exceed those outdoors.

For those loved ones and neighbours who may be indoors during the hot weather, it's worth considering how we can assist them in reducing the heat within their homes. You can also try the following:

If feasible, provide shade or cover for windows.
Open windows when the outside air feels cooler, such as at night, and try to create an airflow through the house.
Use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35C, but avoid pointing the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration.
Always ensure the heating is switched off!
To minimise heat production in the home, switch off lights and electrical appliances that are not in use and consider cooking during cooler parts of the day.
Relocate to a cooler area of the house, particularly for sleeping if possible.
It might be cooler outside in the shade or in a public building (like one of our libraries, or supermarkets) so think about visiting these places as a way to cool down, provided you can travel there safely without increasing your risk from the heat.

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