Most of us enjoy sunny summer weather, but extreme heat can seriously damage your health. During a heatwave, when temperatures remain abnormally high over more than a couple of days, it can prove fatal, particularly among certain at-risk groups.
In August 2003 northern France experienced a heat wave which caused an estimated 15,000 extra deaths. Particularly shocking for the country was the number of older people apparently dying while families were away on holiday.
During the same period in England there was a significant increase in deaths, particularly in people aged 75 and over.
While there is only a small chance each year of a heat wave occurring somewhere in England, as extreme as that affecting northern France in 2003, it’s good to think ahead and be prepared. Download the document below and keep for reference.
What are the risks?
In a severe heatwave you may get dehydrated and your body may overheat. Both can need urgent treatment but can also be prevented, by some simple measures.
Who is at risk?
Everyone is at risk, but some people run a greater risk of being affected, including:
- older people, especially those over 75 years old and/or living on their own, or in a care home;
- people suffering from mental ill health, those with dementia, and those who rely on help from other people to manage day to day activities;
- people who are bedbound;
- people taking certain types of medication; and
- babies and young children, especially those under four years old.
What should you do?
Mostly it's a matter of common sense. Listen to your local weather forecast so you know if a heatwave is on the way.
Keep out of the heat
- If a heatwave is forecast, try and plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat.
- If you can, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm).
- If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, like sport, DIY, or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day, like early morning.
- If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes, preferably cotton. If you will be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you.
Stay cool
- Stay inside, in the coolest rooms in your home, as much as possible.
- Close the curtains in rooms that get a lot of sun.
- Keep windows closed while the room is cooler than it is outside. Open them when the temperature inside rises, and at night for ventilation. If you are worried about security, at least open windows on the first floor and above.
- Take cool showers or baths, and splash yourself several times a day with cold water, particularly your face and the back of your neck.
Drink regularly
- Drink regularly even if you do not feel thirsty – water or fruit juice are best.
- Try to avoid alcohol, tea and coffee. They make dehydration worse.
- Eat as you normally would. Try to eat more cold food, particularly salads and fruit, which contain water.
Seek advice if you have any concerns
Contact your doctor, a pharmacist or NHS Direct if you are worried about your health during a heatwave, especially if you are taking medication, or have any unusual symptoms.
Helping others
If anyone you know is likely to be at risk during a heatwave, help them get the advice and support they need. Older people living on their own should be visited daily to check they are OK.
Further information
Check the weather forecast and any high temperature health warnings at The Met Office or the BBC Weather Pages.
Relevant information is also available on the Blackburn with Darwen Council Website
Information and leaflets providing specific advice on what to do during a heatwave can be obtained from the Department of Health.
Contact NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or NHS Direct online at www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk for advice about heat exhastion and heatstroke.
You can also get advice on protecting your skin during hot weather from Cancer Research UK SunSmart campaign website at www.cancerresearchuk.org/sunsmart/
