Heat Health warning what to do

With temperatures set to continue rising and a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office Level 3 heat-health alert residents across Bath & North East Somerset are being encouraged to stay safe in the sun. And people are being reminded about earlier waste and recycling collections, starting at 6am as well as highways teams starting earlier at 7am so crews can make the most of working in the cooler mornings. During the extreme heat people are being encouraged to: Check on others Check on older people or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during hot weather Stay hydrated Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol. Try to keep out of the sun between 11am-3pm when UV radiation is strongest and always use sunscreen Physical activity Avoid extreme physical exertion. If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, such as sport, DIY or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day Keeping the home cool Keep your living space cool. Shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight and keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment. During the hottest periods find the coolest part of your home or garden/outside On car journeys Ensure babies, children, older people and pets are not left alone in parked cars, which can quickly overheat Make sure you take water with you if travelling, in the event of delays or traffic congestion Look out for the signs of heat-related harm If you feel dizzy, weak or have intense thirst and a headache, move to a cool place asap. Drink water or diluted fruit juice to rehydrate. Avoid excess alcohol Call 111 if you feel unusual symptoms, or if symptoms persist. Call 999 if a person develops any signs of heatstroke as this is a medical emergency Enjoy the water safely Take care and follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down. Alcohol is a major factor in accidental drownings Avoid swimming in reservoirs or harbours – there are hidden dangers and strong under-currents If you’re driving to a local lake or river to cool down, please be considerate and follow parking restrictions for the safety of others and to allow for an ambulance or fire engine to pass Risk of wildfires The risk of wildfires is high – please take care of the countryside, parks and open spaces by avoiding BBQs and fires and clearing up litter Calling emergency services Only call 999 in an emergency, as demand on blue light services increases during periods of extreme weather Ends LRF Extreme Heat advice_AMBER warning_July 2022 v2