Information to help you get through the next few days of extreme heat. Including a link to the Bucks Council website highlighting which schools will be closed over the next few days and working remotely.
We have compiled valuable information you may need from our local NHS and Bucks Council, and not forgetting how to keep an eye on your pets.
School Closures on Monday and Tuesday check the latest here
Temperatures are set to climb over the coming days as a #heatwave brings extreme heat to the UK 📈
— Met Office (@metoffice) July 16, 2022
40 Celsius is equivalent to 104 Fahrenheit 🌡️ pic.twitter.com/rwjIvQgYwy
Why is a heatwave a problem?
The main risks posed by a heatwave are:
- not drinking enough water (dehydration)
- overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
- heat exhaustion and heatstroke
Who's most at risk?
A heatwave can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable people are:
- older people – especially those over 75
- those who live on their own or in a care home
- people who have a serious or long term illness – including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease or some mental health conditions
- those who may find it hard to keep cool – babies and the very young, the bed bound, those with drug or alcohol addictions or with Alzheimer's disease
- people who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places – those who live in a top floor flat, the homeless or those whose jobs are outside
Tips for coping in hot weather
- look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people, those with underlying health conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
- stay cool indoors – many of us will need to stay safe at home this summer so know how to keep your home cool
- close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
- if going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately, keep your distance in line with social distancing guidelines
- follow coronavirus social distancing guidance and wash your hands regularly
- drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
- never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
- try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm
- walk in the shade, apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
- avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day
- make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling
- if you are going into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice
- Remember that while coronavirus restrictions are in place, you will need to follow government guidance to use public spaces safely
NHS guidance for how to cope in hot weather; https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/
Bucks Emergency Services advice on how to stay safe: https://bucksfire.gov.uk/emergency-services-unite-to-ask-communities-to-use-services-responsibly-amid-weather-warning/?fbclid=IwAR1kNrn70dx_00-N3_L9UEEkx7EHZJ7YktdzYhN_MATxxvej3B3U-iyug5g
Heatwave alert level raised across Buckinghamshire early next week
Buckinghamshire Council is asking residents to be aware and take sensible precautions across the weekend and early next week now the UK Health Security Agency has issued a ‘level 4 alert’. This comes after the Met Office updated its weather warnings for this region, with a rare ‘red extreme heat warning’ in force for Buckinghamshire on Monday and Tuesday. Temperatures are currently predicted to reach 35-38c in the area on those days.
It means population-wide adverse health effects might be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable, which in turn means the Council is taking a number of actions.
Residents are urged to keep up to date with information and advice from the Met Office, the government and the NHS
- Information from these organisations will be shared on our social media channels across the weekend and into next week
- Please be familiar with basic health advice in hot temperatures, such as how to spot the signs of dehydration, and how to keep young children cool
- Importantly, limit physical exertion during extreme heat to avoid the risk of heat exhaustion
- If you must travel, take common sense precautions such as carrying extra water
- Never leave anyone in a parked vehicle in the hot weather
The Council has also:
Issued updated advice to local schools, who are taking local decisions on whether to stay open next week – some have already chosen to close or move to remote. learning. Schools will communicate directly with parents and carers and a list of school closures is on the council’s website. Parents and carers should direct questions to their school in the first instance.
- Enacted its Severe Weather Emergency Provision for the homeless. If you find yourself sleeping rough or see someone sleeping out on the streets in Buckinghamshire, contact ‘Streetlink’ online or by calling 0300 500 0914.
- Made provisions for roads impacted by the extreme heat that start to melt. We ask residents to report any instances via FixMyStreet and we can treat the surface with granite dust.
- Moved all waste collections to an earlier start through next week to help keep crews safe when they are working in the extreme temperatures. Rounds will begin at 6am each day next week; please ensure your bin is left outside no later than 6am.
- Echoed the advice from the emergency services – the ground and grass is extremely dry so BBQs and bonfires come with far greater risks; please consider the dangers, likewise around water and water safety.
Change to bin collections in Bucks
Places to go if you're feeling the heat
St Mary's Church in Aylesbury are opening their doors during the extreme heat. It's underneath a lead roof and has 4ft thick walls to keep the church cool. So anybody who is trying to get away from the heat or doesn't have anywhere else to go, you're welcome to go there.
Look out for your pets
For more tips: (EXTERNAL SITE) https://www.facebook.com/HampdenVeterinaryHospital
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