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Heatwave health warnings

With the met office predicting warmer than average temperatures this summer, Warwickshire County Council is reinforcing the messages in the Government’s heatwave plans.

The county council’s Emergency Planning Unit is responding to national advice being given by the Department of Health in preparation for a hot summer ahead and is working with county council colleagues to ensure that the most vulnerable Warwickshire residents receive support.

Sally Lange, Emergency Planning Officer for Warwickshire County Council, said: “The risks from hot weather are very real. People can reduce the risks by planning ahead, listening to their local weather forecasts and taking care in the sun.

"The advice from the Department of Health may sound like common sense but when the temptation is to get out and enjoy the hot weather people still need to be aware that extreme heat can seriously damage your health”.

Leaflets produced by the Department of Health are being made available across the county in locations ranging from doctors’ surgeries through to libraries.  More information and advice is available from the Emergency Planning Unit pages on Warwickshire County Council’s website at http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/epu and a copy of the leaflet can be downloaded from this page. 

There are also links from this website to the Department of Health’s website http://www.dh.gov.uk/publications offering advice on supporting vulnerable people before and during a heat wave and the http://www.metoffice.gov.uk for hot weather forecasts and http://www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk for medical advice.

Advice is also being distributed to social care managers and staff who will be able to identify those most at risk and ensure that appropriate care is provided in a heat wave.

Dr Graeme Betts, Strategic Director of Adult, Health and Community Services at Warwickshire County Council, said:  “It is important that staff are aware of the dangers associated with extreme heat so that action can be taken to protect those most at risk. 

"When temperatures are abnormally high, simple measures such as ensuring windows can be opened and shaded, checking that there are enough fans and that those at risk drink plenty of water, can all help to reduce the health risks”.