The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued a amber heat-health alert (HHA) for the South East Region, including the Island.
A reported by News OnTheWight earlier in the week, the alert is in place between 12noon on Tuesday 5th September to 9pm on Sunday 10th September across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight and has been updated following the yellow heat health alert issued on Monday.
Potential to impact the whole population
Under the new HHA system introduced by UKHSA and the Met Office, a amber alert means that hot weather has the potential to impact the whole population, both young and old. However babies, pregnant women, the elderly and those with pre-existing long term health conditions, such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat.
Advice for keeping yourself and others safe and well during periods of 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. Pregnant woman, 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 website. Call NHS 111 or a GP if you or someone you know is unwell. Call 999 in an emergency.
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
