Met Office Level 3 Heat-Health Alert

Good afternoon. As the weather has become very hot and sunny we have been asked to share with parents a reminder of some Do's and Don'ts of keeping you and your children safe in the current heatwave, Please see below the Met Office Level 3 Heat-Health Alert from today. Thank you

 

Met Office Heat-Health Alert - Hot Weather Alert –

Important Do’s and Don’ts of keeping safe in the heatwave.

DO

 

• take sensible precautions to avoid sunburn, particularly in children

 

• Keep out of the sun between 11.00am and 3.00pm.

 

• Apply sunscreen (minimum factor 15 with UVA protection) thirty minutes before you go out in the sun. Remember to keep reapplying sunscreen every couple of hours.

 

• Ensure all children wear a hat or head covering.

 

• Ensure children wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.

 

• Ensure everyone has plenty of cold drinks to keep hydrated (avoiding caffeine and sugary drinks).

 

• Ensure children avoid extreme physical exertion.

 

• It is advisable to eat cold foods, particularly washed salads and fruit with a high water content.

 

• Keep the environment cool by keeping windows that are exposed to the sun closed or shaded - electric fans will help too and ensure a flow of air.

 

• Ensure there are shaded areas in the play areas.

 

• Monitor children with health conditions

 

• Ensure that children's medication is kept below 25C.

 

• Take extra care when planning outdoor activities such as barbecues, which involve prolonged time spent outdoors as well as posing an additional fire risk.

 

• Wear at least factor 30 sunscreen with UVA and UVB protection and remember to apply 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Reapply every couple of hours.  Always follow manufacturer's instructions

 

DON’T

 

• Don't jump into cold water (dams etc) to cool down. Extreme caution should be taken if entering, playing or swimming in open water.

 

• Don't leave babies and young children alone especially in cars or rooms which get very warm such as conservatories. 

 

• DO NOT use an electric fan if anyone in the home is unwell with symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19).