THE UK is heading for a heatwave this week with temperatures expected to soar to around 30 degrees in Worcestershire today.

While summer sun is a welcome boost after such a dreary spell, high temperatures can harm people and Worcestershire’s Emergency Planning Team explains how to stay sun savvy during the hot summer months.

As our climate changes, hot spells are expected to be more frequent and more intense. According to a Department of Health report, climate change means that heatwaves are likely to become more frequent.

The heat can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm. Remember to think of those who may be more at risk from the effects of heat – these include the following:

• older people, especially those over 75

• babies and young children

• people with a serious chronic condition, particularly dementia, heart, breathing or mobility problems

• people on certain medications

Emergency planning officer for Worcestershire County Council Vicky Crooks has a master's degree in Crisis and Disaster Management and she has put the theory into practice working in emergency planning and overseas in disaster relief since 2011.

Vicky explains: "I've worked in the aftermaths of the earthquakes in Nepal and Haiti that created devastation in those communities with loss of loved ones and destruction of homes, businesses, schools and all of the infrastructure that most of us take for granted.

"Those extreme circumstances were both challenging and rewarding and taught me how critical it is to have plans in place that can be activated by the right people, at the right time.

"Our work in emergency planning is much the same in terms of helping people through the worst of times.

"Much of our work is to spread awareness so that people are prepared for a whole range of emergencies from heatwaves to severe cold weather that can be life threatening to vulnerable people in our communities.

“Consistently hot weather poses a risk to health because it can interfere with the body's ability to regulate its temperature.

“For most healthy adults and children, as long as they drink plenty of water and avoid baking in the midday sun, it should not pose a problem.

“But for the elderly, very young, and those with chronic medical conditions, the health risks are potentially significant.

“Most of the extra illness and death seen during a heatwave is caused by respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

“It can also cause rashes, fluid retention, and dizziness and fainting.

“Heatstroke is the most dangerous condition, where the body can no longer control its temperature, and people become confused, disorientated, have fits and become unconscious.

“We work closely with partners, including the blue light services, Environment Agency, voluntary organisations and council colleagues to get the support to where it is needed.

“Our advice is to be prepared, especially those people who are most vulnerable and to check on neighbours and relatives who may be at risk.

'We encourage people to sign up to be 'Worcestershire Resilience Champions', to share information with their family and friends; keep an eye out for elderly or vulnerable people in their area and to make themselves more prepared to beat the heat.

"Prevention is always better but when the worst happens our role is to centrally co-ordinate our Worcestershire response with our many partners in the best possible way."

Frances Howie, interim director of Public Health for Worcestershire County Council, said: "Bright, hot summer days are what many of us look forward to for the rest of the year especially in cold, wet England.

"However, while we’re enjoying the balmy days of summer, we should not forget that the temperature can get too high, that it can become uncomfortably hot and, for some, it can become dangerously hot.

"For example the temperatures reached in 2003 are likely to be a normal summer by 2040 and, indeed globally, countries have already experienced record temperatures. We do not know whether or not there will be severe heat over the course of this summer, but we do want to make sure that everyone takes simple precautions to stay healthy during periods of hot weather and when in the sun.

"We know that effective action, taken early, can reduce the health impacts of exposure to excessive heat. Most of these are simple preventive measures which to be effective, need to be planned in advance of a heatwave wherever possible.

"If you live near someone who may be at risk for example someone who may be vulnerable or living alone, then I'm sure they would appreciate a neighbourly visit to check they are alright."

To sign up to receive a free starter grab bag and advice e-mail WorcsPrepared@worcestershire.gov.uk. Also visit http://www.worcestershire.gov.uk/info/20144/emergency_planning/948/emergency_summer_advice and https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/525360/Beattheheatposter2016.pdf

Top ten tips to beat the heat

• Keep hydrated – drink plenty of water

• Wherever possible, keep in the shade.

• Make sure that everyone is using sunscreen.

• Wear a sun hat.

• Avoid over exertion where possible.

• Cars get hot so avoid closed spaces.

• If too hot splash on some cold water.

• Be on the look-out for heat related illness

• Find somewhere cool and sit down

• Get help if seriously ill call 111 or 999

FACT FILE

Dehydration:

Someone suffering from dehydration may present with:

• Dry mouth, eyes and other mucous membranes

• Dry, cracked lips

• Headaches, dizziness and confusion

• Cramp and tightness in muscles, especially those in the legs

• Reduction in the amount and frequency of urination, with dark coloured urine

In managing dehydration:

• Assist the patient into a cool, shaded place

• Encourage them to sit down

• Provide plenty of water to drink.

• If the patient is suffering from cramp, stretch and massage the affected muscles

• Monitor and record vital signs

Heat Exhaustion

Someone suffering heat exhaustion may present with:

• Headache, dizziness and confusion

• Loss of appetite and confusion

• Pale, clammy skin

• Cramps in the arms, legs and abdomen

• Rapid, weak pulse and rapid breathing

In managing heat exhaustion:

• Assist the patient in to a cool, shaded place

• Encourage them to lie down with legs raised

• Provide plenty of water to drink

• Monitor and record vital signs

Sunburn

Someone suffering from sunburn may present with:

• Reddened, painful skin

• Blistering of the affected area

In managing sunburn:

• Assist the patient in to a cool, shaded place

• Encourage them to cover their skin with light clothing or a towel

• Encourage the patient to take frequent sips of cold water

• Cool the affected skin by dabbing with cold water – if the area is extensive, they may wish to soak the affected area in cold water instead

• If the burns are mild, advise the patient to use after-sun lotion to soothe them. If severe, advise them to seek medical advice