Fair weather friends needed for heatwaves

Practical action to prepare for a potential heatwave is the central theme of the 2009 Heatwave Plan published by the Department of Health this month. The plan urges everyone to be aware of the health risks faced by elderly friends and relatives during a heatwave.

For the very young and older people or those with serious illnesses, heat can be dangerous. In particular, it can make heart and respiratory problems worse. In extreme cases, excess heat can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.

People are advised to contact their local environmental health officer if they have concerns for themselves or a vulnerable friend, neighbour or relative. Environmental health workers at local authorities can visit to inspect the condition of a home for hazards to health, including excess heat.

The Heatwave Plan for 2009 has been updated with extra guidance that outlines the benefits of insulating houses to keep them cool during summer months and warm during the winter while also reducing fuel costs and carbon emissions. Grants are available to help homeowners who want to install cavity and roof insulation - the plan outlines how to access these.

Homeowners can take other practical steps to stay cool during the summer, including:

* shading south and west-facing windows;
* painting buildings and surrounding walls white to reflect heat;
* planting small trees and shrubs around buildings; and
* replacing metal blinds with curtains with white linings to reflect heat outwards where possible.

Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director of Public Health (South East Coast) said:

"This year's plan encourages everyone to take practical action before a heatwave strikes. Keeping the home as cool as possible during hot weather and remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk is essential."

Wayne Elliott, Head of Health Forecasting at the Met Office said:

"Summer is nearly with us and it's a good time to prepare for the high temperatures that we can experience in this country. The elderly and those who are ill, are particularly vulnerable during hot weather and the most oppressive conditions occur in our towns and cities. There is excellent information available on how to look after yourself and your neighbours during heatwaves."

The Heatwave Plan has been updated to advise those suffering breathing problems that although ozone levels increase in hot weather, they drop in the evening. People with respiratory problems should stay inside during the hottest part of the day and windows should be kept shaded and closed when the temperature is hotter outside than inside.

More information is also given on the Health Housing and Safety Rating System. This encourages primary care trusts and local authorities to work more closely to target, assess and reduce the risk of vulnerable people living in the community who are living in homes that are too hot for their health.

The alert levels are now described from Level 1-4, but are also given colours that mirror the traffic light system.

Top tips for coping during a heatwave include:

* Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.

* Shut and shade windows when it is hotter outside and open them for ventilation when it is cooler outside.

* If you are vulnerable to the effects of heat, avoid going out between 11am-3pm.

* Drink cold drinks like water or fruit juice regularly and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.

* Stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with supplies

* Keep plenty of water to hand and stay in the shade where possible

* Identify the coolest room in the house.

The Heatwave Plan can be downloaded at dh.gov.uk.