Heatwave temperatures across the country have prompted Public Health England (PHE) to warn people to look out for those most at-risk in the summer sun.
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When temperatures climb to the sorts of levels seen in many parts of the country some people can struggle to cope.
The over 65s, young children and those with heart and lung conditions can all find normal activities a strain when temperatures get this high. That’s why PHE is today urging people to keep an eye out for anyone they know who may be at risk.
Dr Thomas Waite of PHE said: "We know that when weather like this hits, many people will head outdoors and make the most of the sunshine – but for others, temperatures like these, over more than a day or 2, can be really uncomfortable and pose a significant risk to health.
"This is because their bodies may struggle to adapt to working harder, as all our bodies do when the weather gets this hot, and they can become ill.
"It’s vitally important that we keep an eye on friends, family and neighbours who may be at risk, and chances are we’ll all know someone if we’re all going to stay well this summer.
"For others, the best thing to do is avoid the sun during the hottest parts of the day, carry water with you when travelling and if going out to large events, and we know lots of people will be watching football this week, think what you can do stay cool. It’s also worth remembering to think about keeping homes cool as this can aid sleeping at night and give the body time to recover from the heat of the day."
The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:
- look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions
- close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- drink plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
- take care and follow local safety advice, if you are going into the water to cool down
- walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you have to go out in the heat
- avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes
- make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling
Source: PHE