Bank holiday Amber heat health alert top tips to stay safe

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has upgraded its yellow heat health alert to amber for the south east of England and Oxfordshire.

The Met Office forecasts the heatwave to peak at 32C on Monday (May 25), as the alert, which started at 2pm today (Friday, May 22), stays in place until 5pm on Wednesday (May 27).

Amber heat-health alerts have been issued to the health systems across central England until Wednesday 27 May (Image: UKHSA)

How to stay safe

1. Stay hydrated

Stay hydrated to avoid dehydration and heat exhaustion – be aware of the signs and seek medical attention (Image: PA)

Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration with overheating making symptoms worse for people with heart of breathing problems.

Heat exhaustion can happen when the body overheats and loses too much water and salt.

Signs include tiredness, dizziness, headaches, feeling sick, excessive sweating and being very thirsty.

If people do not cool down within 30 minutes, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, a life-threatening illness.

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If you suspect someone has heat exhaustion, the NHS advises to move them to a cool place, remove all unnecessary clothing, giving them cool water or a sports drink, and cooling their skin by spraying cool water or fanning them.

2. Keep out of the sun

Stay out of the sun during peak UV hours (Image: PA)

The NHS advises people to stay out of the sun where possible, especially between 11am and 3pm.

If you are out and about, make sure to wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes.

3. Take care if having a barbeque

Stay safe while having a barbecue this weekend (Image: Canpingaz/PA)

If you’re throwing a party at home this bank holiday weekend, make sure to position the barbecue on level ground and away from flammable materials like fences, sheds and trees.

4. Think of your furry friends

Thirsty dog in hot summer day. (Image: Alamy Stock Photo)

Unlike humans who can manage their body temperature by sweating, dogs have a limited ability to cool themselves.

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Ensure you provide clean drinking water at all times and plenty of shade for them to lounge about – maybe consider a shallow paddling pool for them to splash about in or even hosing them down.

Walk your dog at cooler times of the day on shaded routes and avoid leaving your pet unattended in a close vehicle without suitable ventilation.

5. What to avoid

Avoid exercise, alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks during the heatwave (Image: Pixabay)

Try to avoid too much exercise, alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks as these can cause dehydration.

Instead, opt for a relaxed weekend with cold food and drinks.

An amber warning means adverse weather could cause a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.

It could also increase demand on all health and social care services, particularly the NHS and cause travel disruptions.