HEALTH commissioners in South Gloucestershire are encouraging residents to plan ahead for possible heatwave conditions over the next few days.

Warnings that a heatwave may be imminent are triggered when the Met Office forecasts that there is a 60 per cent chance of temperatures being high enough on at least two consecutive days, and the intervening night, to have a significant effect on health.

During hot spells vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, feel the acute effects of heat more than others and it’s long been recognised that death rates rise in the early stages of heatwaves.

Even if temperatures do not hit extreme levels, residents are still encouraged to keep safe in the sun, seek shade to cool down and keep hydrated with plenty of cool fluids.

Top advice for being sun safe:

  •     Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
  •      Wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes
  •      Walk in the shade whenever possible
  •      Apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection
  •      Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting cotton clothes to minimise the risk of sunburn
  •     Drink lots of cool drinks
  •     Look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as the older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses
  •     Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals

People should also remember that it can get uncomfortably hot indoors too. Bedroom and living spaces can be kept cool, by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and opening windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when possible. Non-essential lights and electrical items should also be turned off as these generate heat.

More information on coping with hot spells is available at: www.southgloucestershireccg.nhs.uk/summer