The deadly hidden dangers of heatwaves – and how to keep yourself safe
Scientists, heat waves are 100 times more likely and 2-4C was made warmer due to climate change.
A rapid work by the World Air Aviation Court (WWA) research group found that the heat wave in the southeast of England last week was about 10 times more than heating the planet.
Researchers from London Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and Imperial College London estimated that there were approximately 570 deaths between June 19 and June 22 due to the latest heat wave based on historical mortality data.
According to the Met Office, temperatures can reach 30C on Saturday.
In two weeks, a second amber Heath health warning came into force on Friday.
London, East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England, the warning will last until 18:00 on Tuesday.
Here, Independent It looks at how you can keep yourself safe during a heat wave:
Prevent dehydration
If you are particularly active, the government recommends to moisturize in hot weather by drinking fluids regularly throughout the day.
Water, diluted pumpkin and low fat milk are recommended. Although fruit juice, smoothies and non -alcoholic beverages seem refreshing, they often contain a high amount of sugar that can contribute to dehydration.
It is best to limit how much you consume, and instead of choosing diet, sugar -free or added sugary alternatives.
If you go out, take a bottle of water filled with you and move extra if you travel by car or public transport.
Alcohol can dehydrate the body, so it is recommended to choose non -alcoholic beverages or to choose alternative alcoholic beverages with water.
Protect yourself from the sun
The sun in the UK is strong enough to cause sunburn, their children are particularly vulnerable to skin damage.
To reduce your risk, follow these solar safety measures:
- Stay in the shade between 11:00 and 15:00 when the sun is stronger
- Wear loose, light colored clothes made of tight woven fabric like long sleeves, pants or long skirts
- Protect your head, neck, face and ears with a wide -edged hat
- Use sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun
- Generously apply sunscreen and fill it regularly after swimming or using a towel. NHS recommends the use of at least 30 sun protection factor (SPF) and a four or five -star UVA degree.
How can you keep your home cool
Houses can be hot in hot weather, especially when trying to sleep at night.
Consider the following steps to keep the interior temperatures low:
- Keep blinds and curtains closed in windows that face direct sunlight during the day
- If your home has external shutters or tones, keep them closed
- Try to sleep or rest in the cooler part of the house
- When it is more cool than the interior, typically open the windows if it is safe and create a cross balance to help air circulation
- Use electric fans if the interior temperature is below 35C, but since this may contribute to dehydration, avoid directing the air flow directly to your body
- Make sure that the heating systems are closed
- As it can produce extra heat, turn off unused lights or electronic devices
- If the temperature outside is cooler, especially in shaded areas, consider spending time outdoors
Public areas such as places of worship, libraries or supermarkets can be more cool than your home. If relatives, you can take a break from the heat to visit.
How to detect heat and heat kick
Heat depletion occurs when the body is too hot and struggles to cool. According to NHS, if you cool within 30 minutes, it is usually not serious, but if not treated, it may turn into heat impact.
Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
- Fatigue or weakness
- Feel dizziness or fainting
- Headache
- Muscle cramps
- Nausea or vomiting
- Heavy sweating
- Thirsty
Heat impact is more serious and occurs when the body’s temperature rises to dangerous levels and can no longer cool itself.
Symptoms include:
- Confusion or orientation disorder
- Loss of coordination
- Fast heartbeat
- Fast respiration or shortness of breath
- Hot, Dry Skin (does not sweat)
- Seizures
The Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call 999 immediately and try to cool the person while waiting for help.
Who is most at risk in hot weather?
While everyone can feel good in their heat, some people are more vulnerable. These include:
- Elderly adults, especially those who are 65 years and older
- Babies under five years of age and young children
- People with long -term health conditions such as heart or lung problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney or mobility problems
- Those who take certain drugs or live with serious mental health conditions
- For example, due to illness or diarrhea, already comfortable and dehydrated
- Alcohol or drug -dependent people
- Individuals who are very active in open air such as runners, cyclists or manual workers
- Those who do not have stable residences, including people in rude sleep or temporary accommodation
- Lonely people who can fight to look at themselves during extreme temperature
