With Britain expected to reach record temperature highs on this week, the Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat in the North East. The region is set to be hotter than the likes of Florida, Athens and Sao Paolo this week.
As temperatures soar, so too does the risk of suffering from dehydration, heatstroke or heat exhaustion so staying cool and safe has never been more important. Luckily, Australians know a thing or two about coping in the hot weather and have shared some handy tips on staying safe during the heatwave.
Heatwaves pose a very serious threat to the health of those living in Australia. So much so that periods of extreme heat have been responsible for killing more people than bushfires, cyclones and any other natural disaster.
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The Australian Red Cross has issued advice for what to do both before and during a heatwave to ensure you stay safe. One of the first things the charity says you should do is check the weather forecast carefully.
Find out as much information as you can about what weather warnings are in place in your area and what times of day are going to be hottest. Then, schedule any important appointments or trips to the supermarket accordingly so you can avoid leaving the house at the hottest parts of the day.
Consider what you can do to make your home cooler. This could mean installing awnings or shade cloths or investing in a fan (or three) to help keep a breeze in your house. Remember, your pets are just as hot as you are, so make sure they stay well hydrated and stick to shaded areas when they go outside.
Don't underestimate the importance of staying connected, especially with those you know who may be vulnerable. This includes older people or those who have pre-existing health conditions with symptoms that could be worsened by the heat.
The organisation says that before the heatwave hits, you should try and identify a support network that includes people who can help get you any essentials you might need during the heatwave. At the very least, make sure you keep in touch with your friends, family and neighbours to make sure everyone is coping with the heat.
During the hottest parts of the day, the Australian Red Cross advises staying indoors as much as possible. But if you do need to go out, wear light clothing and a hat and be sure to top up your suncream and carry water with you.
You should go shopping or do any gardening or outdoor tasks early on in the day when it is cooler, or ask someone to give you a hand. Throughout the day, drink plenty of water (even if you don't feel thirsty) and avoid excess alcohol, fizzy drinks or tea and coffee, as they can actually make dehydration worse.
They advise keeping any blinds and curtains shut from early on in the day and turning on any fans or air conditioning units before it starts heating up.
Failing that, taking cool showers or splashing yourself with cold water several times a day will also do the trick. When it comes to meal times, the key is to eat little and often, making an effort to incorporate cold food like salads and fruit into your diet.
If you or someone you know shows signs of heat stroke (fits, confusion, staggering), call 999 immediately. Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency and can call a person to collapse or fall unconscious.
For more information on the signs and symptoms of heatstroke, visit the Australian Red Cross' website here.
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