Neighbours urged to ask each other important safety question

People are being encouraged to ask their neighbours a vital question this summer. The health guidance comes from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). In a recent blog post, the government body discussed the health dangers linked to high temperatures.

UKHSA said: “During the summer, many of us enjoy the longer days, warmer evenings, and time outdoors. But warmer weather also brings real risks to health, especially when temperatures climb higher than usual. The Met Office forecast for this summer suggests an increased chance of heatwaves, so now is the time to be prepared.”

Anyone can be affected by high temperatures, but some people might be more vulnerable. UKHSA warns: “Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are serious and potentially life-threatening conditions, so it’s worth knowing the signs to look out for and how to respond.”

As such, it’s recommended to check in regularly with anyone at increased risk during hot weather. UKHSA advised: “It’s important to check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you.”

Therefore, people are advised to check in with those at increased risk. UKHSA advised: “It’s important to check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you.” People can ask their neighbours if they are okay, or kindly ask them to check in regularly, helping everyone stay safe.

The warning is especially important this week, owing to the extended period of hot weather, reports the Mirror. In a blog post shared on Wednesday (July 8), the Met Office said: “Temperatures are expected to climb into the mid-30s across parts of the UK this week as hot, settled conditions continue, with many areas experiencing their third heatwave of the year.”

UKHSA shared tips to help people keep cool during the summer. In a list shared online, UKHSA advised people to stay out of the sun when it is strongest and keep curtains closed during the day.

The experts said: “Avoid the sun when it is strongest, typically between 11am and 3pm. If outdoors, apply high protection sunscreen regularly, wear a wide-brimmed hat and seek shade.”

The advice added: “Keep windows and curtains closed in rooms that face the sun during the day. Open windows (if it is safe to) when the air feels cooler outside than inside, for example, at night, and try to get air flowing through your home.”

The NHS website says to contact NHS 111 if you or someone else has symptoms of heat exhaustion and needs advice. Call 999 if anyone has signs of heatstroke.

The NHS explained: “Heat exhaustion does not usually need emergency medical help if you can cool down within 30 minutes. If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.”