Take care during the extreme heat
 The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat during Sunday and Monday. There is likely to be exceptionally hot temperatures, forecasted to reach 30 degrees, which poses a health risk and could lead to delays when travelling by road or rail.
There are some simple ways to keep yourself and others safe.
If you’re working outdoors
Always apply an SPF of 30 or above. Wear sunglasses and a hat and seek out shade, if possible, especially between 11am-3pm. Also, make sure you have at least two litres of water if tap water is unavailable.
If you’re working indoors
Close blinds and curtains during the hottest parts of the day to keep cool. If at home, try and create as much breeze as possible and use fans if you have them, but make sure cables are tidy to avoid creating a trip hazard.
Helping others
We can all look out for those most vulnerable to the heat and you can read about the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke on the NHS website - for example, you may want to check-in with elderly neighbours.
If you work directly with vulnerable people, the government has specific guidance for care home managers and staff, health and social care professionals, and teachers and professionals.
To avoid overheating in babies and very young children, ensure appropriate clothing indoors for naps and bedtime. Ensure their protection outdoors - for example, don’t place blankets over prams/buggies for shade as this can cause rapid overheating. Find out more about keeping babies and young children safe in hot weather on the NHS website.
Swimming in the sea
 If you’re planning to take a dip in open water or the sea, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. Lifeguarded beaches can be found on the RNLI’s website. For advice on open water swimming in lakes and rivers visit the National Water Safety Forum website.
At this time of the year, the sea temperature may still be relatively cold. If you enter the water unexpectedly you may suffer cold water shock, which can seriously affect your breathing and movement, so relax and float, keep calm and signal for help. Find out about Float to Live.
If you’re in an emergency situation or spot someone else in trouble, do not try to assist someone yourself, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard.
COVID-19 and keeping everyone safe at work
 It is important to continue to care and protect each other at work as COVID-19 cases and covid related hospital admissions continue to rise. Staying home when you are feeling unwell helps to stop viruses from spreading and Hands-Face-Space-Ventilation is strongly encouraged in and around our workspaces.
Please do the right thing, be considerate and respect others.
COVID-19 and travelling at home or abroad
As many of you may be preparing your summer holiday plans to visit family, friends or new places, it is important to think about getting jabbed to protect yourself and those around you. To get a vaccine:
If you are travelling abroad, many places require proof that you’ve been vaccinated before you enter the country and entry rules can change at short notice. Remember to stay up to date on the information there is on coronavirus and do all you can to stay safe.
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