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26/05/2011
Heatwave Plan To Protect Vulnerable
With summer on the horizon, this year’s Heatwave Plan is launched today by Health Secretary Andrew Lansley.
The annual plan, first published in 2004, is updated each year to provide health and social care services with emergency planning and preparedness guidance in the event of a heatwave.
It operates from 1 June to 15 September and is based on information provided by the Met Office. The Met Office can trigger one of four alert levels according to ‘threshold temperatures’ that range from the late 20s or early 30s depending on the region. In summer 2010, the highest recorded temperature was 31.7 degrees Celsius on 9 July in Gravesend, Kent.
While many people enjoy sunny weather, high temperatures can be dangerous for vulnerable groups such as the young, older people and those with serious illnesses. It can make heart and respiratory problems worse and in extreme cases, excess heat can lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal.
Andrew Lansley said: “This year’s heatwave plan encourages everyone to be prepared before a heatwave strikes.
“Many of us look forward to the hot weather but over exposure to the heat can cause some to dehydrate or get heat exhaustion.
“The elderly and those with long term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the heat and we need to be aware, within families, in communities and across the National Health Service, of how we can minimise these risks when the summer temperatures rise.”
Regional Director for Public Health, South East Coast, Dr Yvonne Doyle said: “Keeping cool in the summer heat is important to avoid serious or life-threatening illnesses.
“Healthcare staff and care home managers need to make sure that patients and residents are able to keep cool during a heatwave.
“Keeping indoor areas cool and providing plenty of cold water and ice will help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke.”
(BMcN/GK)
The annual plan, first published in 2004, is updated each year to provide health and social care services with emergency planning and preparedness guidance in the event of a heatwave.
It operates from 1 June to 15 September and is based on information provided by the Met Office. The Met Office can trigger one of four alert levels according to ‘threshold temperatures’ that range from the late 20s or early 30s depending on the region. In summer 2010, the highest recorded temperature was 31.7 degrees Celsius on 9 July in Gravesend, Kent.
While many people enjoy sunny weather, high temperatures can be dangerous for vulnerable groups such as the young, older people and those with serious illnesses. It can make heart and respiratory problems worse and in extreme cases, excess heat can lead to heatstroke, which can be fatal.
Andrew Lansley said: “This year’s heatwave plan encourages everyone to be prepared before a heatwave strikes.
“Many of us look forward to the hot weather but over exposure to the heat can cause some to dehydrate or get heat exhaustion.
“The elderly and those with long term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the heat and we need to be aware, within families, in communities and across the National Health Service, of how we can minimise these risks when the summer temperatures rise.”
Regional Director for Public Health, South East Coast, Dr Yvonne Doyle said: “Keeping cool in the summer heat is important to avoid serious or life-threatening illnesses.
“Healthcare staff and care home managers need to make sure that patients and residents are able to keep cool during a heatwave.
“Keeping indoor areas cool and providing plenty of cold water and ice will help prevent heat exhaustion or heatstroke.”
(BMcN/GK)
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The government has issued advice on surviving summer heatwaves. Chief Medical Officer Sir Liam Donaldson announced the publication of an updated heatwave plan, which provides advice to health workers and those caring for vulnerable older people. A public information leaflet will also be made available.
13 May 2005
Heatwave advice as temperatures to soar
Long-range forecasts by the Met Office predict that temperatures are set to soar in the UK during July and August and the Government has published advice on how to cope with high temperatures. The Department of Health is to distribute leaflets instructing people on how to keep cool and protect themselves from hot sun.
Heatwave advice as temperatures to soar
Long-range forecasts by the Met Office predict that temperatures are set to soar in the UK during July and August and the Government has published advice on how to cope with high temperatures. The Department of Health is to distribute leaflets instructing people on how to keep cool and protect themselves from hot sun.
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Heatwave safety advice could save lives
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Heatwave safety advice could save lives
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Government advice to stay cool during heat wave
With temperatures expected to hit record-breaking highs this week, the Department of Health has compiled 10 tips to help people keep cool and avoid heat-related illnesses during this period.
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Heat waves to become 'hotter and more frequent'
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Heat waves to become 'hotter and more frequent'
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