It may look and feel great but this hot, sunny weather is fraught with danger for us all, and with Wales set to really feel the heat this weekend, we all need to be prepared.
The Deputy Chief Medical Officer for Wales is urging people to take extra precautions and to plan ahead to keep themselves and others safe as the Met Office warns of extreme heat.
To protect yourselves and others:
- Stay hydrated – drinking water is vital as your body loses more fluid in higher temperatures.
- Plan ahead and stay in the shade – it is best to avoid the hottest part of the day between midday and 3pm and avoid doing strenuous outdoor activities between these times.
- Wear sunglasses and sun protection – sunscreens or sun blocks will help to prevent sunburn.
- To keep your home cool, turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment and keep rooms shaded by closing blinds and curtains.
- Do not leave young children, elderly people or pets in parked cars as temperatures inside can soar.
- While the temptation to cool off may be high, be careful around open water including river and lakes and supervise children.
- Wear loose fitting clothing and a hat if outdoors.
If you are worried about any symptoms related to heat visit the NHS 111 website – 111.wales.nhs.uk – to check your symptoms or call 111 for advice.
The extreme heat warning is likely to have a significant impact across society…………
TRANSPORT
There may be significant impacts on transport infrastructure in Wales during the period of extreme heat, including road and rail. Travellers should plan ahead and ensure they have plenty of water. The heat will mean that vehicles are more likely to break down on roads and could also place strain the rail network, both of which could lead to travel disruption and delays. Travellers should check with their rail or bus operator, Traffic Wales or Traveline Cymru to be alerted to any disruption and change their travel plans accordingly.
SCHOOLS AND CHILDCARE
Advice is being provided to schools and childcare settings to deal with the extreme heat, including avoiding vigorous physical activity and maximising shade and ventilation. Children should wear loose, light-coloured clothing if possible, wear hats outdoors and drink plenty of water.
WORKPLACES
All workplaces have a legal responsibility to ensure a safe and healthy environment for their workers. Employers should make reasonable adjustments to ensure that employees can carry out their work safely and in line with the Health and Safety Executive’s advice on working in hot temperatures HERE.
EVENTS
For all events scheduled during the extreme heat period, organisers should review additional communications out to attendees, spectators and participants – both prior to and during, the event – advising on recommended safe behaviours in extreme heat. They should also consider the need for any additional measures, in relation to event staging and infrastructure, in order to mitigate against the worst effects of extreme heat – for example provision of extra shade, water stations and other measures. Based on further consideration of the risks, they should assess whether all or part of the event should be postponed.
