Red extreme heat warning issued

This Level 4 warning is the first of its kind and is the highest level of warning in the Heat-Health Alert system. This means that there is a widespread risk to health and infrastructure.

General guidance has been issued by a number of health organisations to help you cope in the warmer weather, including:

• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
• Wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection, wear a wide brimmed hat and light, loose-fitting cotton clothes. This should minimise the risk of sunburn.
• Drink lots of cool drinks and when travelling ensure you take water with you
• Look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially older people, infants, young children or animals
• If medicines are sensitive to temperature, it may be worth keeping them in the fridge
• Children should not take part in vigorous physical activity on very hot days, such as when temperatures are above 30°C
• 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 safe to do so. Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat.

For more information on staying safe, please visit: www.nhs.uk/heatwave

Residents are also being advised that bin collections will be carried out slightly earlier than normal next week to help shorten the period of time that refuse, recycling and garden waste crews are working in the hottest part of the day.

With bin collections being carried out earlier, residents are asked to put their bins out for collection by 5.30am (usually 7am), or the night before where possible.

Our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) will also be active during this time to provide more beds to rough sleepers during the extreme heat. If you're concerned about anyone sleeping rough, please let us know via StreetLink or by calling 01354 654321 (24/7).

Further information on heatwaves can be found on our Severe Weather pages and you can check the latest warnings on the Met Office website.