A hot weather warning has been announced, leading to advice by Kent’s public health experts to help vulnerable residents stay safe and well.
The level two alert has been triggered by a Met Office forecast of a 70 per cent probability of heat health criteria being met between Saturday 17th and Tuesday 20th July. It is expected that daytime temperature could reach 31/32 degrees Celsius over these days.
As most heat-related deaths occur in the first two days, this is an important stage at which to make sure people are ready – and swift action can be taken to reduce harm from a potential heatwave.
KCC Acting Director for Public Health, Allison Duggal, said: “We’ve been looking forward to nice weather and after a year of restrictions, it’s quite right that people want to go out and enjoy it but it’s worth remembering that sunny spells and high temperatures can pose serious health risks for some. It’s important to protect yourself from too much sun or heat, to carry water when travelling, queuing for shops etc, and it’s equally vital that you look after young children or older people, who may feel the heat more acutely than others.”
Key advice in hot weather includes:
- Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions. Take into account any continuing Government guidance on social distancing.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm. Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat if you have to go out in the heat. Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
- Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
- Take care and follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down.
- Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes.
- If you are travelling, make sure you take water with you, check weather forecasts and traffic news. Avoid popular and busy areas such as beaches and country parks where social distancing may be difficult.
- Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as water, food and any medications you need.
People are urged not to go to A&E or call 999 unless it’s an emergency. If you are in any doubt, NHS111 can help you get the right treatment.
Dr Navin Kumta, Clinical Chair of NHS Kent and Medway CCG said: “By taking simple precautions, such as staying hydrated and finding shade during the hottest parts of the day, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming ill and needing the services of the NHS.
Should you become unwell, unless it’s an emergency, please remember to use 111 as your first point of contact for medical support. By phoning 111 or visiting 111.nhs.uk, you will be directed to the right service for you.”
The NHS website – www.nhs.uk – continues to provide reliable advice and guidance throughout
the year on how to keep fit and well. It includes information on how to stay well in hot weather www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather
More information about what KCC is doing to protect the people of Kent is available through www.kent.gov.uk/heatwave