Sefton Council Issues Amber Alert in Response to Extreme Heat
Sefton Council has issued guidance and advice ahead of an extreme hot weather event that is due to affect the Borough.
With hot weather set to continue across this week, the Met Office has issued an amber warning for extreme heat covering Wednesday and Thursday.
This warning covers all of Sefton.
Detailed information about what to do in hot weather can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/heatwave.
What does the amber warning mean?
An amber warning means that there is an increased chance of people being affected by the weather conditions.
The Met Office has warned that the hot weather - expected to rise well above 30oC across Merseyside - could be a health risk.
This is especially the case for the most vulnerable, such as older people and young children.
Severe weather could also have an impact on road, rail and air travel, with delays possible.
Where possible, people are advised to make changes to their working and daily routines as a result.
What should I do?
To reduce the likelihood of feeling unwell, consider the following steps:
Drink plenty of fluids
Use sunscreen, and replenish sunscreen every 1-2 hours if you are outside more than briefly
Stay in the shade or under shelter wherever possible
Avoid exercise outdoors between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is at its strongest
Drivers can give themselves the best chance of avoiding delays by checking road and traffic conditions.
Those using public transport are advised to get off at the next stop to get some fresh air if they are feeling unwell.
If working in the office, take advantage of the cooling devices that have been made available, including fans.
Those working at home should also take every measure to stay cool and hydrated.
Anyone working outdoors for long periods should take extra care to regularly seek shade or shelter, rest to avoid overexertion and drink water throughout the day.
It is possible in some cases for extreme weather to cause power cuts. Make sure you have items at home that will help in such a situation, including torches, batteries and mobile phone power packs.
Who should I be looking out for?
Extreme weather can affect everyone, but it is especially important to check in on particularly vulnerable people. That includes:
Older people (those aged over 65)
Young children
People with cardiovascular or respiratory disease
Pregnant people
People who are homeless or with little access to cooling devices
You can call NHS 111 if you are concerned about someone’s wellbeing (or 999 if it’s an emergency).
The NHS has more information about heat exhaustion or heatstroke on its website.
What’s available
Sefton Council has activated its Severe Weather Emergency Plan and is taking steps to support rough sleepers who are at extra risk of being exposed to the elements.
Bags have been issued containing the likes of water, sunscreen, and advice leaflets. Cool spaces have been picked out where rough sleepers can find shelter. To find the most appropriate space to go to, contact Light for Life by calling 01704 501256 or sending an email to shc@lightforlifesefton.org.uk.
Council buildings, including libraries, are due to remain open and are an option for people looking to get out of the sun. However, buildings may be affected differently by the weather, so it remains important in all cases to stay hydrated and get some fresh air if you feel affected by the heat indoors.
All Council services are expected to continue as usual, though please remember that they may also be affected by the heat.
Stay safe in the water
It is understandable that many people will visit the water to stay cool. This includes open air locations such as rivers, swimming lakes and beaches.
Aside from monitored indoor spaces like swimming pools, the best option is to go to a lifeguard-attended bathing beach. Ainsdale and Formby are both options, though please remember that parking is limited and fills up fast.
Please note that Crosby beach is not a bathing beach, and people are not advised to go into the water to swim.
Water safety is vital, and anyone going to either the coast or an inland location must remember the following:
Enter the water gradually to prevent shock
Go somewhere that has a lifeguard or suitable equivalent present (Formby and Ainsdale beaches are two examples of locations with lifeguards present this week)
If you get into trouble, follow the RNLI’s Float To Live guidance by floating on your back.
And if you see someone in trouble, call 999 and ask for the coastguard.
More information on water safety can be found at www.sefton.gov.uk/water-safety.