THE Met Office has issued a Level 3 heatwave alert across the North West – and Warrington Borough Council’s public health team is urging residents to take extra care.
A heatwave alert means people should be aware of the actions to protect themselves from the possible health effects of hot weather.
The sun is at its hottest between 11am – 3pm so health chiefs recommend that people:
*Stay out of the heat
*Apply sunscreen
*Avoid extreme physical exertion
*Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
People are advised to have plenty of cold drinks, but avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.
They should also eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content and take a cool shower, bath or body wash
Keeping living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or who can’t look after themselves
Windows exposed to the sun should be closed during the day and opened windows at night when the temperature has dropped.
Curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun should be kept closed, 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.
Non-essential lights and electrical equipment should be turned off and indoor plants and bowls of water should be kept in the house as evaporation helps cool the air.
A council spokesman said: “Incidences of skin cancer are increasing in Warrington and medical experts say that over exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun is the main cause.
More information is available at www.nhs.uk/be-clear-on-cancer/skin-cancer/home and the government’s Heatwave Plan for England.
For more information about keeping children safe in the sun visit: www.skcin.org
The Met Office is forcasting for the heat way to continue into next week.
