Torbay Council’s Public Health Team is warning that areas of Torbay may experience ‘heatwave’ conditions over the next week, according to Met Office forecasts.

Even if temperatures do not hit extreme levels, Public Health England (PHE) still advises people to keep safe in the sun, seek shade to cool down and keep hydrated with plenty of cool, non-alcoholic, fluids.

Top advice for being sun safe

• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
• Wear sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection
• Avoid extreme physical exertion
• Wear loose cotton clothing
• Drink lots of cool non-alcoholic drinks, especially water
• Seek shade
• Wear sunglasses and a hat
• Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment - they generate heat
• Look out for others: Keep an eye on isolated, older people, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals

Children and adults need to take particular care when they are directly exposed to the sun, this includes attending outdoor events, such as school sports days.

Remember that it can get uncomfortably hot indoors too. Try to keep your bedroom and living space cool, by closing the curtains on windows that face the sun and opening your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when you can. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat.

Health and social care workers should regularly check on vulnerable patients, share sun safety messages, make sure room temperatures are set below 26 degrees and ensure patients have access to cold water and ice.

Local authorities, professionals and community groups can prepare for hot weather by reviewing the Heatwave Plan on the Governments website.

Executive Lead for Health and Wellbeing, Jackie Stockman, said: “While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.

“Everyone can enjoy the sun safely by keeping out of the heat at the hottest time of the day, avoiding sunburn and staying hydrated with plenty of cool drinks.

“The elderly and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather, so it's important to look out for them and keep indoor areas as cool as possible.”

For further information on how to stay safe visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather

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