People in Essex have been urged to do their bit during the current period of hot weather.
The East of England Ambulance Service wants those spending time outside to follow simple tips to prevent problems like sunstroke, heat exhaustion and dehydration.
The very young, older people and those with existing chronic or long-term medical conditions like heart and respiratory problems need to take particular care.
In extreme cases, excess heat can lead to heat stroke, which can be fatal.
The service suggests the following 10 tips to stay safe whilst making the best of the weather:
- Have cool baths or showers, and splash yourself with cool water
- Drink cold drinks regularly, such as water and fruit juice.
- Avoid tea, coffee and alcohol• Stay tuned to the weather forecast on the radio or TV, or at the Met Office website
- Plan ahead to make sure you have enough supplies, such as food, water and any medications you need
- Identify the coolest room in the house so you know where to go to keep cool
- Wear loose, cool clothing, and a hat if you go outdoors
- Check up on friends, relatives and neighbours who may be less able to look after themselves
- Wear plenty of high-factor sun cream and don't forget to top up regularly, and replenish after swimming
- 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
- Never jump into unsupervised lakes, rivers and weirs to cool down. The risk is too high and could quite easily end in a tragedy.
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."
