Hampshire County Council warns people to take extra care as heatwave continues

The public are being advised to take extra care, with a Level 3 Heatwave alert in place in Surrey and East Hampshire until Friday.

This means temperatures of over 30°C during the day and a minimum of 16°C at night.

Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Adult Services and Public Health, Councillor Liz Fairhurst, said:

“It’s important to look after yourself and those around you in this weather by following advice for protecting yourself, anyone you care for and people who are vulnerable to the heat.

"Don’t underestimate the heat and take action to stay well whilst heatwave conditions prevail".

Groups particularly affected by the heat include babies, young children, older people and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

Some housing can also impact people's ability to stay cool, such as living near the top of high rise flats or being homeless.

Hampshire County Council has issued this advice to stay safe:

1. Stay out the heat

• Keep out the sun between 11am and 3pm

• If you must go out, wear sunscreen, a hat, a light scarf and walk in the shade.

• Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.

• Avoid extreme physical exertion

• 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.

• Keep your living space cool – this is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or who can’t look after themselves;

• Place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the temperature;

• 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;

• 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;

• Electric fans may provide some relief if temperatures are below 35°C.

• Even people who are usually fit and well need to take particular care during a heatwave. Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke can affect anyone. In addition, it is important that outdoor workers stay out of the sun and take measures to keep cool and hydrated.

• Call NHS 111 or a GP if you or someone you know is unwell. Call 999 in an emergency.

• For more information on how to keep yourself and loved ones cool visit NHS Choices.

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