Temperatures are rising: Follow tips to stay well in a heat wave

Temperatures will rise in the coming days and the Met Office has issued a level 3 heat wave warning for the South East region for next week.

This includes Surrey and Hampshire, and the thermometer is set to hit 30 in some parts of the county.

Ahead of the heatwave, Hampshire County Council have shared their tips for ‘staying well’ during hot weather.

Councilor Liz Fairhurst, Hampshire County Council Executive Member for Public Health and Adult Services, said: “Planning ahead for hot weather is vital, particularly for those for whom the heat presents potential health risks.

“These include infants and young children, the elderly, and people with chronic or long-term conditions. It is good to prepare whenever possible, for example by buying food and medicine in advance, and taking care of others.”

The advice as the temperature increases is:

• Stay out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• Apply sunscreen, wear loose, lightweight cotton clothing, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Drink plenty of cold drinks: Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and hot drinks.
• Avoid physical exertion – It is important for outdoor workers to stay out of the sun and take steps to stay cool and hydrated.

Keep your environment cool:

• Keep your bedroom and living room cool by closing the shades on windows that get the sun and opening the windows during the coolest times of the day and at night when you can.
• Turn off lights and non-essential electrical items as they generate heat.
• Electric fans can provide some relief if temperatures are below 35 degrees C.
• Seek medical attention if you have a chronic, long-term condition or are taking multiple medications.
• Keep medicines that require storage below 25 degrees C in the refrigerator
• Follow the storage instructions on the packaging

For information on heat-related illnesses and what to do if you or someone you know is feeling sick, visit the National Health Service website. Call NHS 111 or a GP if you or someone you know is unwell. Call 999 in an emergency.

The Hampshire Highways team is also preparing to treat any melting road surfaces. Where necessary, sand spreader trucks will spread a light layer of sand, which acts like a sponge to soak up excess bitumen. Rural locations and older surfaces that are exposed and facing south are more likely to be affected. Residents can help keep Hampshire moving report road problems online.

Anyone hoping to travel next week should read the the aa council for planning ahead to avoid congestion and keep everyone cool and well in hot cars.