As Britain braces itself for a heatwave this week, councils are
urging people to take all necessary health precautions against
the rising temperatures, while maintaining social distancing and
protecting those most vulnerable to coronavirus.
With the mercury in parts of the country set to reach highs of
between 30-34C between now and Friday, the Local Government
Association, which represents councils in England and Wales,
warns that the elderly and those suffering from heart and
respiratory problems are most at risk.
It comes as Public Health England and the Met Office has today
updated its Heat Health Alert to Level 3.
Social workers, community wardens and maintenance staff are all
going on high alert, identifying and looking out for those who
might be struggling, while making sure social distancing measures
are maintained.
Residents are being urged by councils to keep an eye on
vulnerable or elderly family and friends and help save lives,
while following government guidance on preventing the spread of
the virus.
Many of these people are already being closely monitored by
councils and local partners during the pandemic, due to the
overlapping risks from both public health emergencies.
This includes the need for those most vulnerable to stay at home,
such as those who are shielding and self-isolating and who may be
exposed to high indoor temperatures. Care services including care
homes and domiciliary care providers also need to make sure they
have the capacity to meet any rise in demand from both heat and
coronavirus-related issues, while following guidance to reduce
and prevent infection.
Following the 2003 heatwave in which more than 2,000 people in
England died due to the extreme temperatures, the country has
developed an annual heatwave plan with local authorities, health
professionals and the emergency services working together to help
keep people safe.
Councils are now adapting their heatwave plans in keeping with
the latest coronavirus advice, making calls and extra visits to
vulnerable people as required. They are also urging people to
call their local council if they believe anyone needing help is
being missed out.
Local authorities are involved in year-round preparations for
exceptional weather conditions, making sure their areas are as
able to cope with high temperatures as they are with freezing
temperatures or flooding, which have been made all the more
important due to the impact of the pandemic.
Cllr Ian Hudspeth, Chairman of the LGA’s Community Wellbeing
Board, said:
"High temperatures combined with the impact of coronavirus makes
for a potentially deadly combination and councils are doing all
they can to reduce the risk, but they cannot do it alone.
“Hot weather advice might seem common sense, but local people can
make a massive difference by helping us to identify other
residents who may need some advice or practical help.
“We know that effective action, taken early, can reduce the
health impacts of exposure to excessive heat. There are simple
preventive measures which, to be effective, need to be planned in
advance of a heatwave.
"No one is immune to the power of the sun. Drinking plenty of
water, keeping our homes cool, avoiding direct sunlight during
the hottest hours of the day and using sunscreen are sensible
precautions we all need to remember. Looking around at how our
older neighbours are coping as we head out to the shops or the
beach for a day out takes no effort, but could be crucial in
making sure they are also able to make the best of the summer."
HOT WEATHER TIPS
- 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 and take water with you, if you are
travelling
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially
infants, young children or animals
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
- 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
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