YELLOW Heat Health Alert

The Met Office and UKHSA has issued a YELLOW Heat Health Alert for the North East and is in effect between 05/09/2023 at 12:00 and 10/09/2023 at 21:00.

With the weather hotting up, we all want to get outside and enjoy it, especially as the sun has some great health-boosting benefits, but it is worth remembering that when the temperature goes up it can present health risks. 

The importance of staying cool and keeping well in hot weather cannot be over-estimated, there can be serious health consequences from too much heat for everyone and older adults could be at risk if higher temperatures last for two days or more. Please take care of yourself and others so that you can enjoy the sunshine safely.

Here are some easy and practical suggestions to keep ourselves and others safe in hot weather.

• If you have neighbours or relatives who live alone and who are frail or coping with health issues visit or phone to check that they are ok. Especially if they are at higher risk of becoming unwell in extreme temperatures, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you.
• Stay inside during the hottest time of the day – 11am to 3pm. If you do go out use sunscreen of factor 30 or above, wear a hat and keep in the shade if possible.
• When inside, try to keep your house cool. Keep curtains and blinds closed in rooms that catch the sun and shut windows to keep hot air out and cool air in. Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool.
• Have cool baths or showers and splash yourself with cool water. Sprinkling clothes with water regularly, splashing cool water on the face and a damp cloth on the back of the neck helps temperature regulation.
• Change the timings of activities - If you have a routine walk that you like to take, make sure you do this at a different time of the day when it is cooler such as in the early morning or evening. Also limit or avoid strenuous activities like housework and gardening.
• Stay hydrated drink lots of water throughout the day even if you aren’t thirsty. Limit drinks with alcohol as these can increase the risk of dehydration.
• Eat normally but try to have more cold foods, particularly salads and fruits as they contain a lot of water.
• Choose the right clothes, it may sound obvious, but light-coloured, loose cotton clothing can help you stay cool in the heat. Dark colours absorb the light and can make you feel even warmer.
• Check for weather forecasts and temperature warnings on TV, radio and online
• Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them.

Age UK offers a range of free information and advice designed to help older people live well during the summer months and protect themselves when the temperature soars.  This information is beneficial to everyone, no matter what our age is.

You can also download a copy of their leaflet about staying cool.