Heatwave Advice 2013
With Northern Ireland experiencing the current high temperatures, the Public Health Agency would remind the public and healthcare professionals that the heat can be harmful to your health. The following links provide advice on looking after yourself and others during a heat wave.
- Information leaflets for healthcare professionals on looking after others during a heat wave
- Looking after yourself in very hot weather
Skin cancer prevention advice:
There are a number of simple steps that will protect against the suns harmful rays:
- Seek shade when the sun is at its strongest – generally 11am to 3pm.
- Cover up in the sun with a long sleeved T-shirt, sunglasses and a hat.
- Use sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 15 for UVB protection and 4 star for UVA protection. Apply liberally 30 minutes before going out in the sun and re-apply at least every two hours.
- Be sure to cover areas which are sometimes missed, such as the lips, ears, around the eyes, neck, scalp, backs of hands and tops of feet.
- Sunscreen is not an alternative to avoiding the sun or covering up. It must be used in addition. Sunscreens should not be used to allow you to remain in the sun for longer – use them only to give yourself greater protection.
- Take extra care with children and babies, as their skin is often more sensitive and easily burned.
For further information on safe fun in the sun click on www.careinthesun.org
Weather Forecast:
The Met Office's page provides up-to-date information about the weather forecast.