Keep cool and stay safe in the heat

An Amber Heat-Health Alert has been raised for Sussex over the coming days.

Many of us enjoy the warmer weather and can’t wait to get out to spend time with friends, or head to the seafront or out into our wonderful parks and open spaces.

However, hot weather can be difficult for people who are more vulnerable such as older people, anyone with a serious or long-term illness, people who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places.

It can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. And too much sun on the skin can cause skin cancer. So please be sure to put on sunscreen and wear a hat if you’re going out in the sunshine.

We all need to take precautions to enjoy the hot weather safely and help people who might be more vulnerable or who don’t realise when they’ve had enough sun.

Councillor Bruno De Oliveira, chair of the city's Health & Wellbeing Board, said:

“It’s important we all think about what we can do to protect ourselves from the heat and stay safe while we’re out.

“A lot of the advice is common sense – drinking water, closing curtains, wearing sunscreen, staying in the shade and taking care in the sea – but some people may not realise the risks.

“Please check on any friends, family or neighbours who may be more vulnerable to make sure they have the support they need to keep cool and stay safe.”

Look out for others

Get in touch with friends, family or neighbours who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated and need help – older people, young children, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
Children often don’t realise when they’ve had enough sun, so adults must think for them to keep them protected.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
Take water out with you – use the drinking water fountains and bottle filling points available in the city.

Keep cool

If you’re out and about, try to keep out of the sun and avoid physical exertion in the hottest part of the day.
If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat and loose-fitting clothing.

Keep homes and vehicles cool

Close curtains on rooms that face the sun and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
Check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly and make sure medicines can be stored according to the instructions.
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.

Be careful in the sea

Take care and follow local safety advice if you are going into the water to cool down.
You should only swim in the lifeguarded areas between the red and yellow flags.
The sea is still very cold and the water can get deep quickly. Please supervise your children at all times at the water’s edge.
Remember, it’s never safe to go into the sea when you’ve been drinking alcohol.

Stay safe

Look out for signs of heat related illness. Cool your skin with water, slow down and drink water. Call NHS 111 if you need medical help or in an emergency dial 999.