General News

Fair weather friends called for during heatwaves

Practical action to prepare for a potential heatwave is the central theme of the 2009 Heatwave Plan published by the Department of Health. The plan urges everyone to be aware of the health risks faced by elderly friends and relatives during a heatwave.

For the very young and older people or those with serious illnesses, heat can be dangerous. In particular, it can make heart and respiratory problems worse. In extreme cases, excess heat can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

People are advised to contact their local environmental health officer if they have concerns for themselves or a vulnerable friend, neighbour or relative. Environmental health workers at local authorities can visit to inspect the condition of a home for hazards to health, including excess heat.

The Heatwave Plan has been updated to advise those suffering breathing problems that although ozone levels increase in hot weather, they drop in the evening. People with respiratory problems should stay inside during the hottest part of the day and windows should be kept shaded and closed when the temperature is hotter outside than inside.

The benefits of insulating against both heat and cold are outlined, with information on grants that are available from government. Providing cavity insulation in houses helps keep the heat out during summer, as well as keeping homes warm and reducing fuel costs and carbon emissions during colder weather.

More information on the Health Housing and Safety Rating System is also provided in the Plan. This encourages primary care trusts and local authorities to work more closely to target, assess and reduce the risk of vulnerable people living in the community who are living in homes that are too hot for their health.

Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director of Public Health (South East Coast) said:

"The heatwave plan urges carers to identify those most at risk before the hot weather begins. Once level 2, 'Alert and Readiness' has been triggered, those running care homes are urged to take extra care. They should monitor indoor temperatures four times a day, prepare cool areas, ensure there are enough staff to keep residents cool, identify those at greatest risk and make sure everyone has access to cold water and ice."

Wayne Elliott, head of health forecasting at the Met Office said:

"The Department of Health's Heatwave Plan is a vital part of the country's preparation for coping with extreme temperatures. The prolonged spells of hot weather that can happen each summer, particularly in our towns and cities, are a very real concern for vulnerable groups."

Top tips for coping during a heatwave include:

Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
Shut and shade windows when it is hotter outside and open them for ventilation when it is cooler outside.
If you are vulnerable to the effects of heat, avoid going out between 11am-3pm.
Drink cold drinks like water or fruit juice regularly and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
Stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with supplies
Keep plenty of water to hand and stay in the shade where possible
Identify the coolest room in the house.

The Heatwave Plan can be downloaded here:

http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_084670

Posted 20 May 2009

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