Council leaders have today warned that during a heatwave, each one degree rise in temperature claims an average of 75 extra lives. They have called on everyone to help councils in their work to prevent hundreds of avoidable deaths this summer.

 

Every year extreme temperatures can lead to hundreds of needless deaths amongst elderly or seriously ill people. During the heatwave of 2003, 27,000 excess deaths across Europe were blamed on the weather, of which 2,000 were in England.

 

The Met Office has now issued its first heatwave alert of the summer as temperatures are expected to hit 32C by the middle of the week, triggering the alert phase of the national heatwave strategy. Council staff are involved in year-round preparations for exceptional weather conditions, making sure local areas are as able to cope with high temperatures as they are with freezing temperatures or flooding.

 

Because of temperatures reaching the 30 degree threshold, local authorities will take a series of steps including:

• ensuring social care staff have identified people who might be at extra risk during a heatwave
• arranging regular phone calls or visits to vulnerable people as required
• putting managers of care and residential homes on the alert so they take appropriate steps to keep patients healthy
• urging people to call their council if they believe anyone else needing help is being missed out
• spreading messages about keeping cool and well during extreme heat

Cllr David Rogers, Chair of the LGA's Community Wellbeing Board, said:

"Summer is a fabulous time for most people - and we can all be excited about the UK enjoying lots of sunshine in the coming months. Sadly there are some people for whom the temperatures will make life a little more difficult.

 

"The hundreds of deaths caused by extreme heat each year are avoidable. Councils are determined to reduce the toll as much as possible, but they cannot do it alone. Local people can make a massive difference by helping us identify other residents who might need some advice or practical help.

 

"No-one's immune to the power of the sun. Drinking plenty of water, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day and using sunscreen are sensible precautions we all need to remember. Looking around at how our older neighbours are coping as we walk our children to school or head to the beach for a day out takes no effort, but could be crucial in making sure they are also able to make the best of the summer."

 

The Department of Health publishes guidelines for individuals on staying healthy during a heatwave, which councils urge everyone to be familiar with. Key tips include:

• have plenty of cold drinks, but avoid caffeine and alcohol
• sprinkle water over your skin or clothing to help keep cool
• keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation from them helps cool the air.

If you would like to find out more, the full heatwave plan for England is available via http://www.dh.gov.uk/en/Publicationsandstatistics/Publications/PublicationsPolicyAndGuidance/DH_099015