The Met Office has issued a Level 3 Heatwave Alert for the South East Region, which means there is a 90 per cent probability of heatwave conditions between 12pm on Tuesday 9th August and 11pm on Sunday 14th August across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
Love: We all need to take great care
Cllr Karl Love, Cabinet member for adult social care and public health said,
“It’s getting hotter again this week with temperatures predicted to reach the mid-thirties over several days in some parts of the county and our Island. Our Island’s offshore breeze can make it seem cooler than it is, but we all need to take great care.
“These periods of extremely high heat that we are experiencing this summer could be particularly challenging for the more vulnerable people in our communities.
“It is important we look after ourselves as well as loved ones and anyone who might be at risk, such as the elderly, those with underlying health conditions or the very young.
“We also need to help look after and reduce any impacts from the heat wave on our amazing NHS staff. Take care out there having fun, working or at home.”
The advice for residents is to follow the guidelines for staying safe and well in hot weather.
Stay out of the heat
- Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm – if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf
Avoid extreme physical exertion - Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes
Cool yourself down
- Have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high-water content
- Take a cool shower, bath or body wash, or sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck
Keep your environment cool
- Keep your living space cool – 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
- Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat
What to do if you or someone you know is unwell
Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke can affect anyone during a heatwave, even people who are usually fit and well. Babies, young children, older people, and people with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.
Those who work outdoors should try to stay out of the sun and take measures to protect skin against sun exposure, keep cool and stay hydrated.
For more information on heat-related illnesses and what to do should you or someone you know feel unwell visit NHS. Call NHS 111 or a GP if you or someone you know is unwell. Call 999 in an emergency.
Hosepipe ban
There is currently a Temporary Use Ban – better known as a hosepipe ban – on the Island. This means households cannot use hosepipes for things like cleaning cars, watering plants or filling paddling pools. See more information from Southern Water.
Travel advice
Follow the AA’s advice when planning to travel to avoid congestion and for tips for keeping everyone cool in hot cars, including dogs, as well as spotting poorly passengers.
If you are attending a festival or other event, take extra precautions to stay well in hot weather.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: mamchenkov under CC BY 2.0
