Heat-health advice

Londeners are  asked to stay alert for people who may be more vulnerable and need help to stay safe as temperatures top 30 degrees.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert for hot weather from midday on Tuesday 5 September until 9pm on Sunday 10 September.

The health agency urged Londoners to check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell during the spell of hot weather.

Those at risk should also stay out of the sun from 11am until 3pm when temperatures peak, the UKHSA said.

Follow these essential tips to keep cool and safe:

• Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the TV or radio, and look at the Met Office London Weather Forecast
• Drink lots of cool drinks
• Stay in the shade whenever possible, and try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
• Apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection
• Wear UV sunglasses
• Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes, a hat and light scarf
• Carry water with you if travelling on public transport (it is best to drink 15 minutes before travelling)
• Look out for others, especially vulnerable groups, although keep to COVID-19 guidance
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals

Check on vulnerable family members or neighbours

People who are elderly or who have serious medical conditions, particularly heart or breathing conditions, are more vulnerable to serious ill effects in a heatwave.

You can help by visiting,  perhaps more frequently, and encouraging them to:

• Drink water or fruit juice regularly
• Wear loose cotton clothing
• Identify the coolest room in the house, so they can go there to keep cool
• Keep rooms cool by closing curtains
• Close windows and curtains while the room is cooler than outside and, if it is safe, open windows at night when the air outside is cooler
• Spend time in the shade and avoid strenuous activity
• Splash their faces and the backs of their necks with cool water

People with heart problems, breathing difficulties or serious illnesses may find their symptoms become worse in hot weather, so make sure 

• they keep cool
• check and keep up your medication 
• take sensible precautions to prevent sunburn, particularly for children

More information

• Staying cool information on People First
• The NHS website has Heatwave advice