With the Met Office raising its weather alert to Level 4 in some parts of the country and the government declaring a national emergency, the Isle of Wight council is reiterating advice to residents to keep safe and well as the temperatures are set to soar next week.
Staying well
Severe heat is dangerous to everyone, but young children and the elderly are more susceptible to the effects of heat; and those with respiratory and cardiovascular diseases are particularly vulnerable, especially when temperatures remain abnormally high for a prolonged period.
Other people may need support if they are less able to take actions to keep themselves cool, for example those with Dementia or learning disabilities.
Residents are being asked to consider others also and where possible, to check in on family who don’t live within their household, friends and neighbours.
The government’s Heatwave Plan for England sets out helpful advice for vulnerable groups.
For information on heat-related illnesses and what to do should you or someone you know feel unwell, visit the NHS website. Call NHS 111 or a GP if you or someone you know becomes unwell. Call 999 in an emergency.
Staying safe in the water
When the temperatures rise, it might be tempting to cool off in open water.
But, even in summertime, cold water shock can kill, and the message is to try to stay calm. If someone gets into difficulty in open water, they should not try to fight their way out of it, but instead relax and float until their breathing is back under control.
Jumping from piers, rocks and heights into water can be very dangerous. The depth of water can dramatically change with the tide and you don’t know what hazards may be lurking under the surface until you are hurt or worse.
More advice on how to stay safe in the water can be found on the RNLI Website.
Looking after pets
Hot weather can also adversely affect pets. The RSPCA provides online advice to help owners prevent their pets from overheating.
Reduce risk of fire
From coast to country, the Island has plenty of wide-open space for everyone to enjoy days out with family and friends.
However, hot and dry conditions increase the risk of fires in the open spreading out of control.
Station manager Dean Hodges said,
“Barbecues, campfires and bonfires can very easily spread out of control and drier, warmer weather increases the risk of wildfires, so it really is vital that people take extra care when visiting our beauty spots and green spaces.
“Fires in the open can cause significant damage to our woods, heaths and countryside. We all want to be able to enjoy being outdoors and a few simple steps can reduce the risk of fire.
“Always discard of cigarettes properly, put litter and glass bottles in a bin or take your rubbish home, and please pack a picnic, not a disposable barbecue.”
Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service has published some helpful tips to stay safe in the countryside on its website.
Schools
The council has advised schools, pre-schools and nurseries to remain open next week, in accordance with the national guidance on managing hot weather. However, the situation is being monitored and schools will be sent updated advice should the direction from the Department for Education change.
Schools have been asked to follow the Government guidance and to consider being flexible in terms of relaxing uniform rules as well as making sure children stay well hydrated, apply sun cream and keep in the shade while playing outdoors, as well as managing indoor temperatures safely and effectively.
Staff have also been advised to ensure that children do not take part in vigorous physical activity on very hot days, such as when temperatures exceed 30 degrees, and to consider readjusting their time spent outdoors as appropriate.
Keeping the Island moving
Island Roads remain on standby to treat any road surfaces affected by the heat.
The majority of roads on the Isle of Wight have benefitted from resurfacing as part of the PFI investment. The treatments applied to much of the network use materials that are more durable than typical maintenance treatments so we do not anticipate any problems despite the high temperatures.
Island Roads will however maintain its routine inspection of the network and take any action necessary to ensure it remains as safe as possible.
Travel advice
The council is also asking people to be well prepared for any journeys being planned this weekend and early next week – including taking drinking water with them on their journeys.
Anyone who expects to be travelling during the heatwave can check the advice provided by National Highways and the AA for planning ahead to avoid congestion and keeping everyone cool and well in hot cars:
- National Highways – Advice for motorists ahead of extreme heat weather
- The AA – How to keep cool in the summer
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: bluewater sweden under CC BY 2.0
