Stay safe as temperatures set to soar

With daytime temperatures set to hit 29 degrees in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin over the next week, and very high UV levels expected, we’re urging people to stay sun safe.

Make sure you:

• Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm
• Make sure you never burn
• Cover up with suitable clothing and sunglasses
• Take extra care with children
• Use at least factor 15 sunscreen.

Advice for adults and children on sunscreen and sun safety in the UK and abroad is available on the NHS website.

Hot weather could increase the health risks to vulnerable patients – especially those over 75, people who find it hard to keep cool, such as babies and people with Alzheimer’s, and people who have serious or long term illness.

Top ways for staying safe in the sun

• Look out for others, especially older people, young children and babies and those with underlying health conditions,
• Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors,
• Drink plenty of water as sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated drinks can make you more dehydrated,
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals,
• Take care and follow local safety advice, if you are going into the water to cool down,
• Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat, if you have to go out in the heat,
• Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day,
• Wear light, loose fitting cotton clothes,
• Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling.

For more information, please visit our dedicated sun safety page.