Residents across Blackburn with Darwen are being urged to take simple precautions as an amber heat-health alert comes into force across the North West.
Planning a night out? See the live What’s On in Blackburn calendar.
The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency, takes effect from 1am on Wednesday 24 June and runs until 11pm on Thursday 25 June.
Temperatures are forecast to stay high over the coming days, and health professionals say hot weather can increase the risk of illness, especially for older people, young children and anyone with an existing health condition.
The agency says the amber warning means there is an increased likelihood of health impacts and extra pressure on health and care services.
People are being advised to drink plenty of water, seek shade during the hottest part of the day, wear a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen, and plan outdoor activity for early morning or later in the evening.
Other advice includes keeping homes cool by closing curtains and blinds in sun-facing rooms, checking in on older relatives, friends and neighbours, and making sure pets have fresh water and somewhere cool to rest.
Anyone looking to cool off is being encouraged to use Blackburn with Darwen’s parks, green spaces and leisure facilities, including Blackburn Sports and Leisure Centre and Darwen Leisure Centre.
People are also being reminded that reservoirs, rivers and lakes can be much colder and more dangerous than they look, even in warm weather. The article says an average of 328 UK and Irish citizens lose their life to accidental drowning every year and points readers to water safety advice from RLSS UK.
Cllr Damian Talbot, Executive Member for Public Health, Prevention and Wellbeing, said: “The sunshine is something many of us enjoy, and we’re fortunate to have fantastic parks, green spaces and leisure facilities across Blackburn with Darwen.
“While most people will be looking forward to making the most of the warmer weather, it’s worth taking a few simple steps to stay comfortable and look after yourself and those around you.
“Checking in on a family member, friend or neighbour, keeping hydrated and taking breaks from the heat can make a real difference, particularly for people who may be more vulnerable.
“Whether you’re enjoying a walk in one of our parks, spending time in the garden or cooling off with a swim at one of our leisure centres, we hope everyone enjoys the sunshine safely.”
Dr Peter Gregory, Associate Medical Director for Primary Care at NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board, said anyone can be affected by heat exhaustion and heatstroke, but more vulnerable people are at higher risk.
He said heat exhaustion can cause weakness, faintness, headache, sickness or intense thirst, and can lead to heatstroke if it is not treated.
Symptoms of heatstroke can include confusion, hot skin that isn’t sweating, a rapid heartbeat, breathing difficulties and seizures. If someone shows signs of heatstroke, call 999 immediately.
If you feel unwell, speak to your pharmacist, contact your GP, or visit 111.nhs.uk. In an emergency, call 999.
For more information about staying safe in hot weather, visit www.nhs.uk.
