Look after yourself in heatwave

Temperatures are expect to hit 30 deg C in Rotherham and stay in the mid-20s for the rest of the week, prompting the council to issue safety advice.

A council spokeswoman said: “During hot spells vulnerable groups, such as older people, feel the acute effects of heat more than others and it’s long been recognised that death rates rise in the early stages of heatwaves.

“There is still some uncertainty regarding peak temperatures, but the highest maximum temperature is expected on Wednesday.

“Even if temperatures do not hit extreme levels, people are advised to keep safe in the sun, seek shade to cool down and keep hydrated with plenty of cool fluids.”

Top advice for being sun safe includes:

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

- Wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen of at least SPF15 with UVA protection, and wear a hat.

- Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes.

- Drink lots of cool drinks

- Look out for others, especially vulnerable groups such as the older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses

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

- Try to keep your bedroom and living space cool, by closing the curtains on windows that receive the sun and opening your windows at cooler times of the day and overnight when you can.

- Turn off non-essential lights and electrical items as these generate heat.

The spokeswoman added: “Health and social care workers should regularly check on vulnerable patients, share sun safety messages, make sure room temperatures are set below 26 degrees and ensure patients have access to cold water and ice.”

Rotherham Council’s director of public health, Terri Roche, said: “While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.