People are urged to take care in the sun
RESIDENTS in Rochdale are being advised to take extra care and look out for their loved ones in the summer sun.
Most people welcome the summer sun, however high temperatures can be harmful to health. In one hot spell in August 2003 in England and Wales there were over 2,000 extra deaths than would normally be expected.
Some people run a greater risk of serious harm such as older people, children and babies, those with health conditions and those being physical active.
Rochdale Borough Council is reminding residents to practise sun sense, share heatwave safety messages and check on vulnerable friends and family.
They suggest staying out of direct sun between 11am and 3pm, wearing UV sunglasses, walking in the shade, applying sunscreen of at least factor 15 with UVA protection, wearing a wide brimmed hat and light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.
They also suggest carrying and drinking lots of fluids.
Look out for others especially vulnerable groups such as older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses or health conditions.
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially older people, infants, young children or animals.
To reduce the impact of heat indoors, bedroom and living spaces can be kept cooler by closing the curtains on windows that face the sun and (when you can safely do so) opening windows at cooler times of the day or overnight.
All non-essential lights and electrical equipment should be turned off to stop them generating additional heat.
Andrea Fallon, the council’s director of public health and wellbeing, said: “While many of us enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous.
“We want everyone to enjoy the sun safely so it’s vital that we all follow advice such as keeping out of the heat at the hottest time of the day, avoid overheating and sunburn and staying hydrated with plenty of cool drinks.
“It’s also important that we look after one another especially those who may be more vulnerable in the heat.”
For more about heat stroke, see nhs.uk/conditions/Heat-exhaustion-and-heatstroke or NHS 111.
In an emergency contact 999.