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Red Extreme Heat Warning in Place – 18th and 19th July 2022

Dear Residents

We have been provided with the following information:

Red Extreme Heat Warning in Place

Met Office has issued rare Red Extreme Heat warning for Staffordshire over the next two days


Extreme Heat

Normally we’d have some sort of whimsical intro here, but this is quite serious. As you might be aware, the Met Office has issued the first Red Extreme Weather Warning for much of the UK, including the whole of Staffordshire. This means it is going to be very hot over the next two ways, with temperatures in Staffordshire expecting to hit 38C at their peak. This will result in some very uncomfortable conditions for everyone, so it is important to keep yourselves safe during this time.

The red warning is in place for today (Monday) until 12 Midnight on Tuesday.

In a nutshell, the red warning means:

  • Potential adverse health effects, not limited to those most vulnerable from extreme heat. This could lead to serious illness or danger to life.
  • Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines will be required
  • Delays on roads and road closures, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel

The good news is, the temperatures are expected to drop significantly from Wednesday onwards.


Things to do during hot weather

SunCheck on others

  • Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
  • If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat

Stay hydrated

  • Stay hydrated – drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
  • If you need to travel, ensure you take plenty of water with you.

Physical activity

  • Avoid extreme physical exertion. If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, such as sport, DIY or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day – for example, in the early morning or evening.
  • Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
  • Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.

Keeping the home cool

  • Keep your environment cool: keeping your living space cool is especially important for those who need to stay at home this summer.
  • Shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight and keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day. External shutters or shades, if you have them, are very effective, while internal blinds or curtains are less effective. Care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat.
  • If possible and safe, open windows at night if it feels cooler outside.
  • Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat.
  • During the hottest periods find the coolest part of your home or garden/outside or local green space to sit in. If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.

On car journeys

  • Only travel if you need to and check your vehicle’s tyres, coolant and oil levels before heading out to reduce the risk of breaking down and being stranded in the extreme heat
  • Ensure that babies, children, older people and pets are not left alone in parked cars, which can quickly overheat.

Look out for the signs of heat-related harm

  • If you feel dizzy, weak or have intense thirst and a headache, move to a cool place as soon as possible. Drink some water or diluted fruit juice to rehydrate. Avoid excess alcohol.
  • If you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms, or abdomen), rest immediately in a cool place and drink electrolyte drinks. Most people should start to recover within 30 mins and if not, you should seek medical help. Call 111 if you feel unusual symptoms, or if symptoms persist.
  • Call 999 if a person develops any signs of heatstroke as this is a medical emergency. Further information on heatstroke and heat-related illness are available here.

For more heath and safety advice, visit www.nhs.uk/live-well.


Cooling Off in Open Water

ChasewaterWe’re reminding people not to cool off in unsupervised open water.

Even the strongest swimmers can find themselves at risk from the sudden change between air and water temperature and hidden hazards beneath the surface.

Plunging into open water is completely different to swimming in a safe, controlled pool and can be very dangerous, even for experienced swimmers.

No matter how warm the day, large bodies of water stay very cold, with temperatures around 2C. This can cause cold water shock, which can lead to a sudden loss of consciousness.

Swimmers in lakes and reservoirs are also at risk from becoming entangled in underwater weeds or being caught out by unseen currents and other dangers, such as sudden increases in depth.

So, if you’re tempted to take a dip in unsupervised open water, please don’t.

Visit www.staffordshirefire.gov.uk/your-safety/safety-outside for more tips on water safety.


Take Care of Pets

Staffs Bull TerrierPets as well as humans will be suffering from the heat – they can’t take their coats off after all. In this kind of extreme weather, it’s best to keep them indoors where you can keep them cool.

Here are a few tips to keep your pet cool during the extreme heat:

  • Walk dogs early in the morning or later in the evening when the temperature drops, and keep the walks short.
  • Avoid letting cats out when its particularly hot outside. Earlier in the morning or late in the evening is better for them.
  • Provide your pet with plenty of cool, fresh water throughout the day. Most dogs love munching on ice cubes and they’re great for keeping them fresh and hydrated. For cats, pop an ice cube in their water bowl.
  • Be wary of hot pavements, for both dogs and cats as these can burn their paws. It’s often best to stick to grass or shaded woodlands and parks.
  • Ensure your pet has somewhere cool to go if they’re in the garden, like a shaded area they can sit for a while.
  • Investing in a cooling mat might be the perfect solution for cats, dogs and many other small pets to help them sleep in the hot weather. It’ll keep their bed at a comfortable temperature.
  • And finally never, ever ever leave your pet locked in the car, even for a short while.