from Thurs 6 Aug to Sun 9 Aug
We have been provided with the following information about the current weather we are experiencing. Please do read and ensure that your loved ones, any elderly relatives or yourselves keep safe in the sun.
The Met Office has issued a Level 2 Heat Health Alert. There is a 60% probability of Heat-Health criteria being met between 12:00 on Thursday and 09:00 on Sunday in South East England.
What are the potential impacts?
- Increased health risks to vulnerable people.
- Increased risk of heart attacks, strokes, lung illnesses, and other diseases.
- Some groups are particularly susceptible to the effects of very hot weather such as older people, the very young and people with pre-existing medical conditions.
Heatwave and Covid-19
Please note that additional information and tips for Covid-19 and the heatwave has been issued by the government, including a Beat the Heat checklist for residential and nursing care settings.
- Fans should not be used unless in single rooms for Covid-19 free residents. Remember that fans are ineffective in temperatures above 350C and cause increased dehydration
- Paracetamol (and aspirin) may be used to manage COVID-related symptoms but it is recommended that they are not used solely to reduce body temperature. Always consult your pharmacist, GP or NHS 111 for advice
- Keep residents cool and hydrated and monitor hydration levels
- Use sponges or cloths made damp by cold water to help control your temperature
- Monitor high-risk residents closely
- Staff wearing PPE should keep hydrated, change masks regularly (especially if damp) and ensure that their own wellbeing is maintained
The full guidance can be found here this includes posters and leaflets on ‘beat the heat’ on how to cope with the heat during COVID and how to keep residents safe in the heat during COVID.
For more information
- Public Health England National Heatwave Plan
- NHS Choices Heatwave: be prepared
- WSCC Dealing with extreme weather
- WSCC Preparing for emergencies
