Heatwave warning increased for vulnerable Kent residents
Date added: 02 July 2018
The heatwave alert for Kent has been ramped up, leading to advice for vulnerable residents such as the old, the very young, and people with chronic or severe illness who could be at extra risk.
The level three warning means high temperatures have been reached and the sustained hot weather could lead to an increase in health problems so swift action is required immediately to protect people from the harmful effects.
Key advice in hot weather includes:
- Ensure patients, you and your colleagues are staying hydrated. Take cold water and refreshments into meetings
- If you find your meeting room is hot, see if you can move to a cooler area
- Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm. If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat. Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
- Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
- When you’re travelling, be sure to carry a bottle of cold water just in case you get stuck in traffic
- Could you have your internal meetings outside, perhaps under a shady tree?
- Remind any service users under your care to keep hydrated and look after their wellbeing
- Can you open doors and windows to encourage air flow?
- If you are using a PAT tested fan, put a bottle of ice water in front of it to help cool the air.
