NHS Devon and Devon County Council’s Adult and Community Services have developed a heat wave plan to ensure we are able to respond to the affects of a prolonged and heightened heat wave.

The plan supports national work and will help us to protect those who would be most affected.

People and communities will be asked for support in caring for the elderly and housebound if a heat wave is declared.

The plan is in operation from 1 June until 30 September 2010 and works with the Met Office Heat-Health Watch website at http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/heathealth/index.html.

NHS Devon offers the following advice on how to stay well in the event of hot weather this summer.

• Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves.
• Shut and shade windows when it is hotter outside and open them for ventilation when it is cooler outside.
• If you are vulnerable to the effects of heat, avoid going out between 11am-3pm.
• Consume cold drinks like water or fruit juice regularly and avoid tea, coffee and alcohol.
• Stay tuned to the weather forecast and plan ahead with supplies
• Keep plenty of water to hand and stay in the shade where possible
• Identify the coolest room in the house.

Homeowners can take other practical steps to stay cool during the summer, including:

• shading south and west-facing windows;
• painting buildings and surrounding walls white to reflect heat;
• planting small trees and shrubs around buildings; and
• replacing metal blinds with curtains with white linings to reflect heat outwards where possible.

Remember, heatstroke can develop without warning and can kill. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 999 immediately.

While waiting for the ambulance

• If possible, move the person to somewhere cooler
• Increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan
• Cool them down as quickly as possible by loosening their clothes, sprinkling them with cold water or wrapping them in a damp sheet
• If they are conscious, give them water or fruit juice to drink
• Do not give them aspirin or paracetamol

Sources of help and information:

• Monitor the weather forecast and Heat-Health Watch
• Department of Health guidance
• Advice for care home managers and staff for supporting vulnerable people before and during a heatwave
• Advice for health and social care professionals supporting vulnerable people before and during a heatwave
• Heatwave – a guide to looking after yourself and other during hot weather
• NHS Direct
• Information on skin cancer
• SunSmart
• Devon Skin Cancer Prevention Strategy 2011-14
• Staying safe in the sun – key messages