Sheffield public health chiefs issue hot weather safety advice as heatwave intensifies

Public health chiefs in Sheffield have urged residents to pay special attention to vulnerable groups as this summer’s heatwave continues.

With no end in sight to the higher than average temperatures, the director of public health for Sheffield Council Greg Fell has reiterated hot weather advice his department published in June.

He said that while the advice remains largely unchanged from year to year, certain groups - the over 75s, young babies and homeless people - were particularly vulnerable.

He said: “The advice remains pretty standard when it is going to be hot as when it is going to be cold.

“Over 75s are the group we worry most about, as well as young babies and those with underlying medical needs.

“Also, homeless people might find it difficult to get out of the midday sun at the moment.

“They are vulnerable and while some of them will be in contact with services, we don’t have a way to get our messages to those who are not.”

The advice issued by Sheffield Council says residents should follow the ‘slip, slap, slop’ mantra whenever they find themselves out in the sun.

This encourages people to slip on a shirt, slop on some high-factor sunscreen and slap on a hat.

They also advise residents to stay out of the midday sun wherever possible and make sure they remain hydrated at all times.

People who cannot avoid working outside are also warned to pay particular advice to public health messages as the hot spell continues.

Mr Fell said his department and the NHS used a range mechanisms to get their messages to the public including traditional media such as newspapers and television and their own social media channels.

They also issue advice to social workers to distribute with their clients and make information available in public places such as doctors surgeries and hospitals.

Above average temperatures have been in evidence over much of the UK since June and have been blamed for grassland fires, water shortages and even melting roads.

Long range weather forecasts currently indicate the warm spell could be set to last another two to three weeks.