Residents and visitors are being asked to take sensible steps in the hot weather due today and tomorrow as the MET Office issues its first ever red weather warning.
The warning applies to areas of the East of England where temperatures are expected to reach over 40 degrees – the highest temperature currently recorded is 38.7 degrees in Cambridgeshire in 2019.
Southend-on-Sea City Council are asking residents and visitors to take sensible steps to look after their health and their neighbours, as the temperature soars, and avoid putting extra pressure on our emergency services.
Cllr Kay Mitchell, cabinet member for adult social care and health integration, said: “The hot weather always creates additional pressures in our health systems as those with existing health conditions are more vulnerable to extreme heat, as well as young children and the elderly. Please stay rehydrated, avoid alcohol, avoid the midday sun, wear sunscreen and check in on your more vulnerable friends and neighbours.”
Cllr Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety, added: “As well as health, we need residents and visitors to behave sensibly too. The seafront is always busier when it’s hot as people seek to cool down beside the water.
“That means more people, more traffic, a higher risk of water-related accidents and the mix of hot weather and alcohol, which can sometimes end badly. Just please look after yourselves, so our emergency services don’t have to.
“Remember we’ve seven miles of beautiful sandy seafront for visitors who do want to come to the seaside and cool down, just remember to check tide times.”
You can try and stay cool by:
- staying hydrated - drink lots of water and avoid alcohol
- staying cool indoors - close the curtains in rooms which face the sun
- if going outside, try and stay in the shade
- wear high factor sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when it is at its hottest
- avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day
- if you go in the sea to cool down, follow local safety advice including checking local tide times, which can be found on the Tide Times website
For more information, visit: Heatwave: how to cope in hot weather - NHS