Essex residents urged to check on vulnerable during heat wave
Temperatures are expected to reach 27C in the county today (26 June)
Residents across Essex are being advised to take necessary precautions in the hot weather, as temperatures remain high.
A yellow warning, jointly issued by the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency, will be in place until Thursday.
Daniel Showell, Public Health Consultant for Essex County Council, says there are risks to vulnerable people.
He said: “Obviously we want people to be able to enjoy the good weather, but there are risks, particularly to the vulnerable. It was estimated that in 2022, were just under 3000 people over the age of 65 who died as a result of hot weather.
“There are very sensible things that people can do. Avoid going out at the heat of the day, normally between 11:00 in the morning and three in the afternoon. Seek shade if you must go out. Don't do any strenuous physical exercise. Protect yourself by wearing loose clothing. If you can wear a hat with a brim on it that protects your eyes, ears and your face - and use sun cream.”
Daniel Showell says houses in the UK are difficult to keep cool.
He said: "We aren't used to hot temperatures, but there are things you can do to protect your home such as closing the curtains if they're facing full sun at the heat of the day. Also closing the windows during the hottest part of the day because obviously you don't want the heat coming in. But as the day cools off, opening the windows and letting that heat out as it's cooler outside than it is inside the house."
He continued: “If you know somebody who's vulnerable, young children, the elderly, and especially people who've got long standing health issues, do take the chance to reach out to them and just check that they're well and they know the things that they need to do in order to keep themselves well and healthy.”