Health and wellbeing
Amber heat health alert issued for West Midlands
Published on
With the beginning of September seeing a return to education and work for many people, Walsall residents are being encouraged to stay well during the hot weather.
The Met Office, in conjunction with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued an amber heat health alert for the West Midlands from Tuesday 5 September until Sunday 10 September.
“ Looking after yourself and others is key to staying well during periods of hot weather.
Ensure you keep hydrated and cool and check in with any family, friends and neighbours who may be vulnerable. Ask if they need support and make sure they are aware of the advice and up to date with the weather forecast. “
“ This week’s expected hot weather coincides with people going back to education or work following the summer holidays. As we go through this warmer period of weather, let’s take steps to stay well and safe. Older people, those with health conditions and younger children are more likely to experience the impact of the heat.
Drink plenty of fluids, try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day, keep your living space cool, and wear light, loose-fitting clothing. When going outside, apply sunscreen and travel with bottled water.
“If you or others become unwell, get dizzy, weak or have intense thirst move to a cool place, rehydrate, and cool your body down. If you need urgent advice, please call NHS 111 or in an emergency, dial 999. “
ENDS
Notes to editor:
- When an amber heat health alert is issued, significant impacts are probable across the health and social care sector due to the high temperatures, including: observed increase in mortality across the population likely, particularly in the 65+ age group or those with health conditions, but impacts may also be seen in younger age groups; increased demand for remote health care services likely; internal temperatures in care settings (hospitals and care homes) may exceed recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment; impact on ability of services to be delivered due to heat effects on workforce possible and many indoor environments likely to be overheating, risk to vulnerable people living independently in community as well as in care settings; medicines management issues; staffing issues due to external factors (e.g. transport); cross system demand for temporary AC capacity being exceeded possible and other sectors starting to be observe impacts (e.g. travel delays).
- Heat health alerts published by the Met Office and UK Health Security Agency are available on the dashboard.
- Full details about the new Heat Health alert service, which came into effect this summer 2023 can be found on the Met Office website. You can register to receive the alerts directly.
- The NHS has details on how to cope during a heatwave online.
