17 July 2013
Islanders are being offered advice to help keep them safe in hot weather.
While many people may have welcomed the recent summer weather, Public Health is reminding Islanders about the potential health risks associated with it.
Medical Officer of Health Susan Turnbull said “Taking precautions is particularly important to those most at risk from the effects of exposure to heat. This includes older people, especially those over 75, babies and young children and people with a serious chronic condition, especially heart or breathing problems.”
How to cope in hot weather
Follow these steps to cope in hot weather:
- shut windows and pull down the shades, blinds or curtains when it is hotter outside. If it’s safe, open them for ventilation when it is cooler
- avoid the heat: stay out of the sun and don’t go out between 11am and 3pm (the hottest part of the day) if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat
- keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside the windows. If this isn't possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed
- have cool baths or showers, and drink plenty of water. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol
- wear loose, cool clothing
- check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves
- use sunscreen and hats – especially for babies and young children
- avoid leaving children and pets in cars or other confined spaces, as extreme levels of heat can develop very quickly
Dr Turnbull added “We are not currently expecting the recent hot weather to increase to dangerous levels. We will however be working closely with the Jersey Met Office to ensure we are able to warn the public early on should temperatures rise to levels which cause us concern.”
Find out more about hot weather safety - including information about heatstroke, dehydration, pet safety and fire risks - on our hot weather safety page.
When hot weather becomes a heatwave
In the UK, a heatwave health alert would be triggered if maximum temperatures of 28-32°C and minimum of 15-18°C overnight were recorded for two days and the night in between. At these levels, the heat has a significant effect on people's health.
There are no official thresholds in Jersey, but Public Health and the Jersey Met Office keep in close contact whenever extreme weather is occurring or forecast.
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