A red heat-health alert has been issued for the South West until 11:00pm on Thursday 25 June.
With high temperatures expected over the coming days, North, Mid and East Cornwall will fall into the amber weather warning for extreme heat from midnight tonight.
It’s important to look after yourself and avoid sunburn or heatstroke, and please look out for people who might struggle to keep cool, especially older people, children, babies, and those with underlying health conditions.
Here are our top tips to beat the heat and stay well:
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm when the UV rays are strongest.
- If you have to go outside in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen (SPF 30-50) and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
- Drink plenty of fluids, avoid excess alcohol, take water with you if you’re travelling.
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children, vulnerable adults, or animals.
- Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day.
- If you are planning to go swimming in open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice.
- Check medicines can be stored according to the instructions on the packaging.
How to keep your home cool
Keeping your living space cool is especially important for those who need to stay at home while it’s hot outside.
We’ve got some tips to try to help you beat the heat indoors:
- Shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight and keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day. External shutters or shades, if you have them, are very effective, while internal blinds or curtains are less effective. Care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat.
- If possible and safe, open windows at night if it feels cooler outside.
- Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat.
- During the hottest periods find the coolest part of your home or garden/outside or local green space to sit in. If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.
