As you'll be aware from recent days, much of the country is experiencing increasingly high temperatures.
The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for most of England and parts of Wales, with exceptionally high temperatures expected from Sunday 17 July and the weather conditions looking to last into early next week, with the Met Office warning now extended until Tuesday 19 July.
Following a UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) Level 2 Heat-Health Alert for Yorkshire and the Humber, public health is encouraging all residents to be aware of the heat warning and to make sure that people are prepared, particularly if you work outside or will be spending a lot of time outside over the weekend. This includes ensuring you have access to shade at regular intervals; drinking water regularly to prevent dehydration; wearing a sun hat and applying a high SPF sun cream before heading outside and making sure you reapply throughout the day.
For those that live or work with the vulnerable, elderly or young children, public health advises limiting time spent outside in direct sunlight, particularly between the peak hours of 11am and 3pm, when UV rays are at their strongest. Residents are recommended to identify cool areas in their workplace and home, adapt meals, encourage the intake of extra fluids, as well as the wearing of light, loose-fitting clothing and to keep curtains or blinds shut while outside temperatures are higher than inside. It is also important to monitor individuals regularly, including their temperature, and to be aware of signs of heat exhaustion, such as headache, unusual tiredness or disorientation. At home, check in on those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated, especially if they live alone.
For further advice on signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion, please see the NHS website: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/
If you are travelling, make sure you have plenty of water with you and avoid journeys during the peak hours, it is also sensible to avoid physical exertion during the hottest times of the day.
Make sure you check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings - you can find these on Seaside FM, or you can use the Met Office app or website.
Here are some handy hints from UKHSA:
