Urgent heat health warning issued in parts of UK as parents told keep kids inside

BRITS have been urged to look out for the most vulnerable this week as a health heat warning has been issued across the country.

An amber level three alert has been activated, with level four being the highest.

The Met Office said highs of 33C are expected in some areas on Monday afternoon and Tuesday.

It said children, older people, babies and those with underlying health conditions must be extra careful.

Parents across the UK have been advised to limit their little ones’ sun exposure over the next couple of days.

Medics said parents and carers should make sure children are given plenty of water and are able to play in cool areas.

Sun cream should also be applied liberally, they said, in order to avoid issues such as sunburn and sunstroke.

Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust said: “Don’t allow your children to stay in the sun for long periods – and never leave them in a car on a hot day.

“Resting in the shade and finding cool places is important.

“The first sign that a child is overheating is when they become grumpy or complain of a headache.

“If this happens, get them into a shaded place that is as cool as possible.

“Remove any clothing you can, give them water to drink and get them to rest.”

The Met Office said: “Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.

“Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol, dress appropriately for the weather and slow down when it is hot.”

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have  to avoid letting children undertake “vigorous physical activity” when temperatures exceed 30C.

It said children should also be kept out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when it is hottest.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the hot weather when it arrives.

“But also to check in on their vulnerable family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are prepared for the warm conditions ahead.

“High temperatures are predicted for a prolonged period, so make sure to follow our simple health advice to beat the heat, such as covering windows exposed to direct sunlight and making sure that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly.”

While experts are urging everyone to stay hydrated, water firm bosses have called for people to cut back on their water use to make sure there is enough.

Water companies Anglian, Yorkshire Water and Severn Trust have made requests of their customers such as keeping showers to four minutes and turning off the tap while teeth brushing.