The Met Office has now triggered a ‘Red Alert’ in the North West to say heatwave conditions are expected, with temperatures expected to reach up to 33 degrees by Tuesday, July 19th.
Blackburn with Darwen Council’s health bosses are reminding people to stay safe in the expected extreme heat and follow relevant health advice.
During a heatwave, when temperatures remain unusually high over more than a couple of days, you can get dehydrated and your body may overheat.
This can be especially dangerous for older and more vulnerable people – especially those over 75 and/or living on their own or in a care home, people suffering from mental ill health, those with dementia and those people who rely on carers.
Other at-risk groups of people include those taking certain types of medication and babies and young children – especially those under four years old.
It is important to never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle in hot weather, especially babies, young children or animals.
Blackburn with Drawen Council is working with its partners to make sure the most vulnerable residents in the borough are kept safe. You too can play your part by minimising the risks and taking a few sensible precautions:
Keep out of the heat; take cool showers or baths and splash yourself several times a day with cold water – particularly your face and the back of your neck – drink plenty of water; eat as you normally would but try more cold food, salads and fruit which contain water.
Advice and guidance has been put together to help protect people in case of a heatwave over the summer months:
The Met Office warnings and updates can be found here: UK weather warnings – Met Office
Find out more about keeping safe in extreme weather: Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
