The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office guidance means high temperatures could affect anyone, not just the elderly, very young or those with health conditions.
An amber Heat-Health Alert also signals likely increased demands on all health services.
Over the last week, the UK has experienced its longest September hot spell ever, with daytime temperatures consistently touching 30°C, and night's barely dropping below an uncomfortable 18°C.
And while the barometer is now starting to fall across many parts of the UK, the South East holds onto the hot weather for the start of the week, with Monday (11th) seeing temperatures still in the mid to higher 20°Cs.
Given this, residents are asked to continue keeping up to date with the weather forecast, taking commonsense, practical steps to keep themselves and their families well and checking in on vulnerable family, friends and neighbours to make sure they stay safe.
“...please check in on the very young, elderly and those living with conditions, such as lung and heart disease, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of higher temperatures”
Kent County Council (KCC) Director of Public Health, Dr Anjan Ghosh, said: "Many welcome hot weather; but for some it poses a health risk - so please check in on the very young, elderly and those living with conditions, such as lung and heart disease, who are particularly vulnerable to the effects of higher temperatures.
“Other simple steps to stay safe in the heat include wearing sunscreen, UV glasses and loose, comfortable clothing.
"If you need to drive carry water, food and any medications you need in your car; and always follow local safety advice when going into the water to cool down.”
“However much we might like the sun, we know that it can have detrimental effects on our health, especially for the young, our elderly residents”
Dr Ash Peshen, Deputy Chief Medical Officer at NHS Kent and Medway, said: “However much we might like the sun, we know that it can have detrimental effects on our health, especially for the young, our elderly residents and those who are most vulnerable.
“By taking simple precautions, such as staying hydrated and finding shade during the hottest parts of the day, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming ill and needing the services of the NHS.
“Please also do check in on your vulnerable neighbours, families and friends to make sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.”
Other key tips to stay well in hot weather include:
Opening windows at night once the temperature has dropped, rather than in the heat of the day, can help keep your house cooler
- Drinking plenty of fluids like water and limiting how much alcohol you consume.
- Closing the curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler.
- Keeping windows closed in the heat of the day and opening then at night when temperatures drop.
- Having supplies of any medicines you have to take to avoid needing to go out when the sun is strong.
- Never leaving anyone, particularly babies, young children, and the elderly, and also animals, in a closed, parked vehicle, and
- Following local safety advice when going into the water to cool down.
Should you become unwell, unless it is an emergency, please remember to use 111 as your first point of contact for medical support. By phoning 111 or visiting 111.nhs.uk, you will be directed to the right service for you. In an emergency, always call 999.
You can also visit Kent and Medway Integrated Care System’s website – www.stopthinkchoose.co.uk – which lists local services, such as pharmacies and urgent treatment centres.
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Drinking plenty of water in hotter weather helps lower your body temperature and replace the fluid you lose through sweating
MORE HOT WEATHER INFORMATION:
- The NHS website – www.nhs.uk – has advice about staying safe in hot weather.
- Visit nhs.uk for information about the common signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
- The Met Office has tips on how to plan for the heat.
- Find out about KCC's work to protect Kent communities during a heatwave on kent.gov.
- Sign up for UKHSA Weather Health Alerts and specify what region you would like to receive alerts for.
- Read the UKHSA blog on staying safe during periods of extreme weather.
