Extreme heat warning and public health advice
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The Met Office has issued the first red warning for exceptional heat for parts of the country, including some areas in Gloucestershire.
The warning applies to next Monday and Tuesday (18 and 19 July) but the entire county is under an amber warning from Sunday, which means there will be widespread impact on people and infrastructure.
This is running parallel to an increase in the current Heat Health Alert to Level 4 for England by the UK Health Security Agency. This constitutes a national emergency.
A Met Office red warning means:
- Population-wide adverse health effects experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to serious illness or danger to life.
- Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.
- Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required
- High risk of failure of heat-sensitive systems and equipment, potentially leading to localised loss of power and other essential services, such as water or mobile phone services
- Significantly more people visiting coastal areas, lakes and rivers, leading to an increased risk of water safety incidents
- Delays on roads and road closures, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with significant welfare issues for those who experience even moderate delays.
*** In light of this please take heed of the following advice ***
- Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
- Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun – and remember that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- Check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
- Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
- Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
- Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
- Take care and make sure to follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down
- Check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging.
More information on the Met Office warning here: www.metoffice.gov.uk/…/weathe…/2022/red-extreme-heat-warning
More about the heat health alert in place and public health advice here: www.gov.uk/…/heat-health-alert-issued-by-the-uk-health-secu…