A spell of hot weather has been forecast, and Stockport Council is advising residents to take sensible precautions. Public Health England and NHS England, working with the Local Government Association and the Met Office, has produced advice on looking after yourself during hot weather.
It is best for your health to avoid getting too hot in the first place. Remember to think of those who may be more at risk from the effects of heat. Here are some tips to keep yourself and others cool and what to do if someone feels unwell:
- Keep out of the sun between 11.00am and 3.00pm.
- If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf.
- Avoid extreme physical exertion. If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, like sport, DIY or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening.
- Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
- Have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.
- Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content.
- Take a cool shower, bath or body wash.
- Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.
- Keeping your living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or those who can’t look after themselves.
- Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped.
- Close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun. However, care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat – consider replacing or putting reflective material in-between them and the window space.
- Place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the temperature.
- Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat.
- Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air.
- If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping.
If you, or somebody you know, find your home to be uncomfortably hot and you have concerns about it affecting yours or someone else’s health, seek medical advice about the person.
For more information go to www.nhs.uk/summerhealth and for the latest weather forecast go to www.metoffice.gov.uk