THE Public Health Agency has urged the public to take steps to protect themselves during the current heatwave.
It has also asked people to look in on vulnerable family members, friends and neighbours as temperatures are set to reach 26 degrees Celsius today. It has also written to care home providers in Northern Ireland with advice and guidance on helping to look after residents during hotter spells of weather.
Dr Brid Farrell, PHA Deputy Director of Public Health, said: "With hot weather being less common here it is understandable that we all want to get out and enjoy the sunshine, but we’re asking people to make sure they’re protecting themselves when they’re out and about and check in on friends and family members.
"It is important to look after older people and those more susceptible to potential health issues in warmer weather. If you have a friend or relative who is less mobile or might need a little help, make sure to check in on them. Help them stay hydrated with regular cold drinks, avoiding alcohol. Help them keep their home cool by shutting curtains if the sun is coming through and opening the windows in the evening or at night when it’s cooler.
"Encourage them to wear light, loose-fitting clothing so they’re not too hot and if you or anyone you know begins to feel sick or dizzy, keep out of the sun and seek medical advice."
Dr Farrell added: "Just because we don’t have an extreme heat weather warning in Northern Ireland, it doesn’t mean that we aren’t at risk from dangerous UV sun rays, even if it’s overcast or cloudy.
"When the UV index is three or above we need to protect our skin and eyes, so it’s important to know what the UV index is going to be throughout the day."
