The British Red Cross is offering tips to help people avoid sun burn and recognise the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke with temperatures set to rise across the UK over the bank holiday weekend.
According to the Met Office, large parts of the UK will see dry and hot weather towards the end of the week, with London forecast to see highs of 31C during Monday’s bank holiday.
As people prepare to meet up with friends and family to enjoy the sun this week, the British Red Cross is offering guidance that can help everyone stay safe.
Dafydd Beech, national community education manager at the British Red Cross, said:
“As we come into the summer months, warm weather gives us a chance to get out a bit more and enjoy ourselves. It’s important to take care while you have fun with friends and family to avoid becoming dehydrated, getting sun burn or even heat stroke.
“Getting into the habit of taking steps whenever temperatures rise can really help. It can be simple things like wearing sunscreen, drinking plenty of fluids or ensuring you take breaks from the sun. Building these habits early means people are better prepared if hotter weather lasts longer.”
Those more vulnerable to heat risks include older people, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic health conditions. People who work outdoors and live in top floor flats should also take extra care during hot weather.
Previous research by the British Red Cross showed people, including those most at risk, didn’t see themselves as vulnerable to the impact of heatwaves.
This is supported by a study from World Weather Attribution and the Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre, which found that temperatures above 28°C can be dangerous in the UK, especially in June before people have acclimatised.
The charity has a hot weather checklist available in eight languages on their website, as well as first aid advice for hot weather, and a free first aid app. Free extreme weather teaching resources are also now available in schools.
Tips to keep yourself safe in the sun
The Red Cross offers advice on identifying the symptoms of heat-induced health risks:
Dehydration – you may be dizzy, confused, have darker urine and a headache. Drink plenty of water.
Heat exhaustion – similar symptoms to dehydration, plus nausea, cramps, fast breathing, headaches, dizziness, confusion and sweaty, pale, clammy skin. Get the person somewhere cool, give them a drink – sports/isotonic drinks can help. Even if they recover, seek medical advice. If they get worse call 999.
Heat stroke – similar symptoms to heat exhaustion but the skin is hot and dry. People can also have symptoms like restlessness, confusion or dizziness. The person’s body temperature can reach over 40C, and they may become unresponsive. Immediately call 999. Quickly move them to a cool environment, remove outer layer of clothing and loosely wrap the person in damp clothing. You can also pour cold water over clothes or a sheet to help reduce their temperature.
Sunburn – get out of the sun, cool the area with cold water or a cool bath for around 20 minutes. Sip cold water, apply after-sun lotion (if available) and stay indoors or in shade.
Hot weather advice:
Drink plenty of fluids - including isotonic drinks if available.
Limit physical activity to cooler parts of the day, such as morning or evening
Wear sunscreen and take regular breaks indoors or in a shaded place to cool down
Keep homes and workplaces cool (open windows when the air outside is cooler than the air inside – so mornings and evenings)
Take a cool bath or shower if you feel too hot
Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes and cover your head with a hat.
