You will be aware that forecast weather conditions over the coming days reach the trigger thresholds for Heat Health Level 3 actions.
Attached is the information from the Met Office and the Heat Health Alert for this week for your information.
Also please find here a link to the Heatwave Plan for England (easy read version)
In line with the London Framework a teleconference was held at 17:00 and at the direction of LLAG, the London Local Authority Gold Director and three specific actions are required from all Boroughs to mitigate the potential impacts and confirm readiness.
I am sure many of your agencies will have received the same information and been requested to disseminate information with regards to the rising temperatures during this week and to ensure we reach as many people and businesses as possible with these important health alerts, especially those who will be particularly vulnerable to extremes of heat during this period.
Please ensure you circulate the health alerts below to your communities, staff and others who will need to know:
Stay out of the heat:
- keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
- if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf
- avoid extreme physical exertion
- wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes
Cool yourself down:
- have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
- NEW for 2019 – Specifically highlight the Refill London – https://refill.org.uk/refill-london/
- eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content
- take a cool shower, bath or body wash
- sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck Keep your environment cool:
- keeping your living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or who can’t look after themselves
- place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the temperature
- keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped
- close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun, however, care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat – consider replacing or putting reflective material in-between them and the window space
- turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat
- keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air
- if possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping
- electric fans may provide some relief, if temperatures are below 35°
Look out for others:
- keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool
- ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars
- check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heatwave
- be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is unwell or further help is needed If you have a health problem:
- keep medicines below 25 °C or in the refrigerator (read the storage instructions on the packaging)
- seek medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking multiple medications If you or others feel unwell:
- try to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache; move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature
- drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate
- rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or abdomen, in many cases after sustained exercise during very hot weather), and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes.
- medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than one hour
- consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist