Oldham residents advised to take extra care during extreme heat

Oldham residents are being strongly advised to take extra care and precautions over the coming days with temperatures set to soar over the weekend and into next week.

An Amber Extreme Heat warning has already been issued by the Met Office and comes into effect on Sunday until Tuesday, with local forecasts predicting highs of up to 35C.

This weather warning is not to be taken lightly, with population-wide adverse health effects likely to be experienced and the latest advice warning of the potential to cause serious illness or a danger to life.

A Level 3 UK Health Security Agency Heat Health Alert is also in place from Saturday until Tuesday, with people advised to look out for the most vulnerable and those with underlying health conditions.  

Heatwaves can affect anyone, but the most vulnerable are at greater risk including people who are older, especially anyone over 75, and those who live on their own or in a care home.

People with a serious or long-term illness are also vulnerable, alongside those who find it hard to keep cool themselves, like babies and young people or people with Alzheimer’s disease.

Those who are outdoors for large parts of the day are also at high risk.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “It may be nice to see the sun shining but in anticipation of this extreme heat, now is not the time for us to take this weather lightly and to act irresponsibly. 

“These conditions are serious, and they can sadly be life threatening, especially for our most vulnerable residents, so we must ensure those closest to us are okay and have everything they need during this extreme heat.

“Whether it’s checking in on our elderly neighbours or helping those who are most vulnerable to keep cool, our actions go a long way in keeping people safe.”

There are plenty tips for coping in this type of weather, including drinking plenty of fluids, applying sunscreen regularly and keeping out of the sun between 11am to 3pm.

Avoid exercising during the hottest parts of the day and excess alcohol too, and if you’re staying indoors, remember to close your curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep your rooms cooler.

If you need to take a trip somewhere, never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.

A common temptation in warmer weather is attempting to cool down in open water but this brings its own risks and should be avoided.

“Swimming in local reservoirs can be extremely dangerous,” Cllr Brownridge added.

“Not only can the cold water shock your body and lead to panic, it can also be very deep and if something was to go wrong, the emergency services may struggle to reach you in time if you are in a remote location.

“Avoid the temptation, act responsibly and stay safe.”

With more residents likely to visit their local parks and green spaces during the warm weather, residents are reminded to respect their nearby surroundings and residents.

This particularly includes our moorland areas, such as Dove Stone Reservoir, the Saddleworth Moors and Crompton Moor, where fires of any kind, including disposable BBQs, are banned and you risk being fined or prosecuted.

Moorland fires, however they are caused, can have devastating consequences for animals, property and the land, so we urge anyone who sees a fire on the moors to ring 999.