What Should You Actually Do When There's A Heat Alert?

A fanFrom midday on Friday, 27 June until 6pm Tuesday, 1 July, parts of the UK will be under an amber heat health alert. That’s partly because temperatures, which are expected to climb over 30C in some areas, may lead to increased pressure on emergency services (less severe yellow alerts will be in place in Yorkshire and the Humber and the West Midlands). The East Midlands, South East, South West, East and London will all be affected by the “amber” heat health alert. Parts of London and Cambridge may reach temperatures as high as 34C or 35C on Monday, when the weather is forecast to be at its hottest (you can check for live alerts on UKHSA’s site).But what should you actually do in an amber heat health alert?The Met Office and the government have shared tips for handling an amber heat health alertAccording to the Met Office, it’s helpful to stay out of the sun from 11am to 3pm as this is when harmful UV rays (which give us sunburn) are at their highest. Drink lots of water, avoid drinking too much booze, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen, wear a wide-brimmed hat, avoid intense movement at the hottest hours of the day (including cycling and running).Stay indoors if you can and close the curtains on windows facing the sun throughout the day (this can prevent your room from heating up and holding onto the warmth). Look out for older people and people who live alone, as these might be at higher risk (if you live alone, ask a friend, relative, or neighbour to phone you as a check-up). Stick to cooler spots if you do go outdoors, and avoid “Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.” The Government adds that you should reschedule mandatory outdoor tasks, like walking your dog, to the coolest, least sunny parts of the day.Wear cool, light clothes and sunglasses, and learn the signs of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.How can I tell if someone has heat exhaustion or heat stroke?The NHS says that heat exhaustion, which can lead to dizziness, nausea, a headache, tiredness, cramps, weakness and extreme thirst “does not usually need emergency medical help” (though you should get out of the sun ASAP, cool down, remove unnecessary clothing, and drink water if you spot those signs. Call 111 if you’re unsure).Call 999 or go to the A&E if you or someone else has:symptoms that don’t go away after 30 minutes of coolinga very high temperaturehot skin that’s not sweating and might look red (this can be harder to see on brown and black skin)a fast heartbeatfast breathing or shortness of breathconfusion and lack of coordinationa seizure or fitloss of consciousness.Related...UK Gardeners Urged To Avoid This Watering Mistake In A HeatwaveUK Gardeners Urged To Show 'Small Act Of Kindness' To Bees During HeatwaveI've Dreaded Every Heatwave Since 2019 – And It's Only Going To Get Worse

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