Take care and look after each other during dangerously hot weather

Residents are being urged to look after themselves and their neighbours after an unprecedented Red weather warning for heat was issued for the coming days,

Temperatures in Bury are forecast to reach 34C on Monday and Tuesday, which health leaders say can be fatal for the elderly and those with medical conditions.

Other groups at greater risk include babies and very young children, those who take particular types of medicine or drugs, and people who might struggle to adapt to hot weather such as those with dementia, homeless people, and people living in top-floor flats.

Councillor Tamoor Tariq, cabinet member for adult care, health and wellbeing, said: “This is the first time the country has been given a Red alert for severe heat, which shows how serious this is.

“I urge everyone in our community to do three things: know how to stay well in hot weather; know the signs and be alert for people with heatstroke and other serious illness and know what to do; and check on vulnerable relatives and neighbours.

In the hottest weather, even healthy people can be affected.

• It’s important we all know how to stay safe: Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) and Beat the heat: keep cool at home checklist - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
• Particularly be aware of the symptoms of heatstroke: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-exhaustion-heatstroke/
• Further information and tips can be found on the council website: https://www.bury.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=13738and Government website: Heatwave Plan for England - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Cllr Tariq added: “It’s also vital to follow the warnings put out by our emergency services such as the fire service, such as not going into reservoirs or rivers to cool off, and not taking barbecues to parks – this could put you and others in great danger.

“We are working with our partners to ensure we are prepared to look after our most vulnerable residents.”

ENDS

Press release issued: 15 July 2022.