Residents advised to stay safe in the sun

Stay safe in the sun

Residents 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.

The heat can affect anyone, but some people run a greater risk of serious harm such as older people, children and babies, those with health conditions and people who are being physical active.

Rochdale Borough Council is reminding residents to practise sun sense, share heatwave safety messages and check on vulnerable friends and family.

The top advice for being sun safe is:

• Try to keep out of the direct sun between 11am and 3pm.
• Wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes, walk in shade, apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection, wear a wide brimmed hat and light, loose-fitting cotton clothes. This should minimise the risk of sunburn.
• Drink lots of fluids and when travelling or being active ensure you take water with you.
• 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.
• Residents are also being reminded that hot weather can be uncomfortable indoors but steps can be taken to reduce the impact. 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, Rochdale Borough 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. If you have older friends or relatives or know some with a long-term illness make sure they are kept cool and hydrated."

Information for people worried about someone suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke is available at heat exhaustion and heat stroke or NHS 111. In an emergency contact 999.