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Staying safe and well in the heat – information for parents and guardians

The West Northants Health Protection Team have created a webpage on the West Northants site called “Heat Health”  Heat health | West Northamptonshire Council (westnorthants.gov.uk)

This provides advice and guidance to the public on staying safe during the summer months.

This page will be regularly updated as the weather changes.

Staying safe and well in the heat – information for parents and guardians

A Heat-Health alert has been put into place as even overnight temperatures are predicted to be very warm. High temperatures come with health consequences for some people. It’s important to protect those most vulnerable including our children, those with health conditions and elderly, as well as keeping yourself safe.

Here are our top tips for staying safe in the heat:

  • look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated
  • stay hydrated, take water with you if you are travelling or out and about
  • stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm as this is when UV rays are the strongest - avoid physical exertion at this time
  • if you have to go out in the heat stay in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat
  • close curtains in rooms that the sun faces - this will help rooms remain cooler - remember it could be cooler outdoors than indoors
  • never leave anyone in a parked closed vehicle – especially not animals, children or babies
  • avoid travelling at peak times on motorways, particularly if transporting children or the elderly
  • sadly, accidents (often fatal) happen in water at this time of year, particularly involving youngsters. That’s why we’re asking parents to supervise their children in and around water. Although it can be fun to cool off in water, structures such as bridges, locks and flood channels, reservoirs and quarries should be avoided. Make sure you know the RNLI’s Float to Live
  • unexpectedly cold water or strong currents can catch even experienced swimmers off guard. Better to swim safely at one of the county’s organised events where support is provided

Look out for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and follow some common sense behaviours, to keep yourself and others safe in the heat.

Stay safe!

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