Summer temperatures

Thursday 10.30am: Peterborough residents are being warned to stay safe as summer temperatures continue to rise.

With rising temperatures this week, the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust (EEAST) wants those spending time outside to follow simple tips to prevent the on-set of problems like sunstroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration.

Venues such as Peterborough Lido are expected to see bumper crowds as people make the most of the hot weather

The temperatures are set to rise to 32°C on Friday (18 July), with warmer weather continuing through the weekend, although rain, and possibly thunderstorms are forecast for Saturday, temperatures remaining high around 28°C.

Tracy Nicholls, Director of Clinical Quality, said: “Our ambulance crews get busier attending patients who might have overdone it in the heat, so the public can really help protect themselves and reduce those calls by following some simple advice. Young children and babies are particularly vulnerable so try and keep them in shaded areas and make sure they wear hats and sun block. The warmer weather is lovely to enjoy, but people should remember that carelessness causes avoidable problems for people’s health.”

The trust has released ten tips on staying safe in the summer weather:

1) Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water

2) Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice. Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol

3) Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or at the Met Office website

4) Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need

5) Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool

6) Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat if you go outdoors

7) Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves

8) Wear plenty of high-factor sun cream and don’t forget to top up regularly, and replenish after swimming

9) If planning a barbecue, take all the usual precautions, ensure food is cooked thoroughly and protect yourself and others from flames. Never try to ignite a barbecue with an accelerant

10) Never jump into unsupervised lakes, rivers and weirs to cool down. The risk is too high and could quite easily end in a tragedy.