Amber heat health alert in the South West

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow heat-health alert (HHA) for 5 regions of England, including the South West from 12pm on Saturday 4 July until 5pm on Wednesday 8 July.

There are a few very simple things we can all to do stay safe when we experience high temperatures. This includes:

• Looking out for people who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated
• Getting in touch with friends, family or neighbours that may need help keeping cool

Know the warning signs

• Heat exhaustion: dizziness, headache, nausea, sweating
• Heatstroke (serious): confusion or very high temperature

Get medical help straight away if someone is very unwell.

• Staying cool indoors is important, taking action like closing curtains on rooms that face the sun but also remembering that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
• If you’re out and about, try to keep out of the sun and avoid physical exertion in the hottest part of the day. It is often cooler in the early mornings and in the evenings but check local weather forecasts to see conditions in your area
• When out in the sun think about covering up with suitable clothing, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and applying SPF 30+ sunscreen with UVA protection

There’s lots more information online to help you stay safe during hot weather. Visit the UKHSA and NHS websites including their pages on how to beat the heat and on heat exhaustion and heatstroke.