With temperatures of 34c expected across the Island by the weekend, the Isle of Wight Council is urging locals and visitors to take extra care over the coming days.
As previously reported by Island Echo, local weather forecasters IW Met Service expect the mercury to rise to 34c on Friday and across the weekend.
The advice for residents is to follow the guidelines for staying safe and well in hot weather.
Councillor Karl Love, Cabinet member for adult social care and public health, has said:
“These periods of extremely high heat that we are experiencing this summer could be particularly challenging for the more vulnerable people in our communities. It is important we look after ourselves as well as loved ones and anyone who might be at risk, such as the elderly, those with underlying health conditions or the very young.
“We also need to help look after and reduce any impacts from the heat wave on our amazing NHS staff. Take care out there having fun, working or at home.”
Stay out of the heat
- Keep out of the sun between 11:00 and 15:00 – if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf
- Avoid extreme physical exertion
- Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes
Cool yourself down
- Have plenty of cold drinks but avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks.
- Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high-water content
- Take a cool shower, bath or body wash, or sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck
Keep your environment cool
- Keep your living space cool – place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the temperature
- Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped – close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun
- Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat
What to do if you or someone you know is unwell
Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke can affect anyone during a heatwave, even people who are usually fit and well. Babies, young children, older people, and people with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.
Those who work outdoors should try to stay out of the sun and take measures to protect skin against sun exposure, keep cool and stay hydrated.
For more information on heat-related illnesses and what to do should you or someone you know feel unwell visit NHS. Call NHS 111 or a GP if you or someone you know is unwell. Call 999 in an emergency.
Hosepipe ban
There is currently a Temporary Use Ban – better known as a hosepipe ban – on the Island. This means households cannot use hosepipes for things like cleaning cars, watering plants or filling paddling pools. See more information from Southern Water.
How did we cope in the past, when we didn’t have all these helpful people telling us how to look after ourselves?
Wow, there is always a moaner. We don’t always know what’s best and it’s only advise so just take it or leave it, think before putting your brain into gear. Lol
Sorry Lol but I agree with Peaky Blinder. Born in 1951 I grew up where playing in the hot sunshine my mum made me wear skin protection especially if on the beach. At times told to stay in the shade. Drink plenty of fluids. Etc., etc., Go back to the summer of 1976 – 46 years ago and how many consecutive days of hot temperature we experienced. Common sense was prevalent .