Summer heatwave plan to protect the vulnerable

31st May 2011 - We may wish for the long, hot days of summer but for some people keeping cool is a matter of life and death.

The elderly, the young and those with serious illnesses are particularly at risk from extreme heat.

It can make heart and respiratory problems worse and in some cases, excess heat can lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal.

The Department of Health has issued its heatwave plan to give health and social care services advice on how to prepare for summer heat.

Met office gives alerts

It's the seventh year the plan's been provided, following a really hot spell in August 2003 in England when deaths in those aged 75 and over rose by 60%, with approximately 2,000 total extra deaths than would normally be expected.

The plan operates from June to mid September and is based on information from the Met Office.

It can trigger one of four alert levels according to 'threshold temperatures' that range from the upper 20s Celsius or lower 30s depending on the region.

The four levels are:

• Level 1 - Summer Preparedness and Long-term Planning: Green
• Level 2 - Alert and Readiness: Amber
• Level 3 - Heatwave Action: Red
• Level 4 - Emergency: Red Emergency

Health Secretary Andrew Lansley said in a statement: "This year's heatwave plan encourages everyone to be prepared before a heatwave strikes.

"The elderly and those with long term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the heat and we need to be aware, within families, in communities and across the National Health Service, of how we can minimise these risks when the summer temperatures rise."

South East of England hottest place in 2010

The hottest recorded place last year was Gravesend in Kent on July 9^th when the temperature topped 31.7 Celsius.

Regional Director for Public Health, South East Coast, Dr Yvonne Doyle said in a statement: "Healthcare staff and care home managers need to make sure that patients and residents are able to keep cool during a heatwave.

"Keeping indoor areas cool and providing plenty of cold water and ice will help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke."

Tips to stay cool

It's mostly a matter of common sense but some tips for coping during a heatwave include:

• Checking up on family, friends and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves
• Avoid going out between 11am-3pm
• Wearing light, loose fitting cotton clothes
• Applying a high factor sun cream when out in the sun
• Drinking cold drinks like water and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol
• Stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead
• Take a cool shower, bath or body wash
• Shade sunny windows, shut them doing the day and open them at night when it's cooler.