How to stay safe in the sun

As the mercury rises, Meals on Wheels and day centre staff are being extra vigilant and looking out for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke among vulnerable customers .

They are giving extra attention to residents who are bed bound, those who require care and support on a regular basis, or suffer from a chronic illness, especially those over 75 and/or living on their own. Social services staff will also check in on families they work with who have babies or young children.

Staff will help to identify individuals at risk from extreme heat by watching out for changes in behaviour, looking out for signs of headache, unusual tiredness, weakness, giddiness or disorientation. They will then identify any changes to individual care plans that might be necessary and advise families of vulnerable residents of measures that could be put in place.

Tips and advice from the Council includes:

· Stay cool indoors - Stay in the coolest rooms of your house keeping curtains closed, and take regular cool showers or baths.

· Open windows once the temperature outside has dropped lower than it is inside.

· Avoid physical activity and going out during the hottest part of the day

· Seek shade when appropriate especially between 11am-3pm when the sun's UV rays are at their strongest.

· Wear light, loose cotton clothing.

· Apply sunscreen if going outside - generously apply sunscreen to all exposed skin using a Sun Protection Factor of at least 15. Reapply every two hours, even on cloudy days.

· Drink plenty of fluids - drink regularly even if you do not feel thirsty - water or fruit juice are best. Try to avoid alcohol, tea and coffee. They make dehydration worse. You should also eat cold foods, such as salads and fruit with a high-water content.

Cllr Mitzi Green, portfolio holder for children's services said: "While the summer sunshine is welcome after such a cold winter this year, some residents do suffer in the heat.

"We're issuing this guidance to protect our vulnerable residents and staff will also be checking on the frail or elderly to make sure they are safe.

"We also appeal to residents to look in on any frail or elderly neighbours to make sure they are coping with the hotter weather."