Summer safety tips for dealing with heat in West Norfolk

Health professional in West Norfolk are calling on the public to stay safe as the heatwave continues to beat down on the region.

West Norfolk Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is advising residents to follow basic precautions in order to avoid becoming ill as temperatures remain high.

The CCG’s director of nursing and quality assurance, Sarah Jane Ward said: “Weather like this is something many people look forward to every year and go out and enjoy, especially in West Norfolk with its beautiful beaches.

“But it’s worth remembering that sunny spells can pose health risks for some people.

“It’s important to protect yourself from too much sun or heat, to carry water when travelling and to think of those, such as young children or older people, who may feel the heat more acutely than others.

“If you are heading out to the beach for the day with your family or planning a day out with your friends please do make sure you keep drinking plenty of water and apply sun cream.”

Last year a total of 55 people went along to a West Norfolk GP surgery to seek treatment for sunburn while two people attended the accident and emergency department at the Lynn’s Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

Below are some tips to keep safe this summer:

n Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions.

n Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.

n Drink plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated.

n Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.

n Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm.

n Take care and follow local safety advice, if you are going into the water to cool down.

n Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you have to go out in the heat.

n Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.

n Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes.

n Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling.

For more information, visit www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/#risk