Hertfordshire residents are urged to take measures to protect themselves as the county buckles under a red alert heatwave this week.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a red heat-health alert (HHA) for six regions of England, including Hertfordshire, from 1am tomorrow until 11pm on Thursday, although this could be extended.

Safety measures for residents include wearing sunscreen when leaving home, staying hydrated with plenty of water, avoiding the midday sun from 11am to 3pm and avoiding excess alcohol.

Residents are also encouraged to look out for elderly and vulnerable neighbours, while the council’s community spaces in leisure centres and libraries will offer cooling environments for residents.

A couple relax on deckchairs in the warm weather. The Met Office has issued a heatwave alert (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

placeholder image — A couple relax on deckchairs in the warm weather. The Met Office has issued a heatwave alert (Photo by Oli Scarff/Getty Images)

Geraldine Bruce, head of health protection at Herts County Council, said: “We are keeping a close eye on this as we are mindful it may be extended into Friday, potentially up to the weekend.”

The red alert is the second to be issued in its history, following its last usage in summer 2022, which saw an estimated 2,985 excess deaths across England, including 378 in the eastern region.

Ms Bruce said the red alert could impact transport systems, food, water, energy supplies and businesses. She added: “It indicates a risk to life for even the healthy population. Usually, with our adverse weather reporting, we focus on the most vulnerable, but once we move into a red alert, it means the heat impacts will be able to affect everybody in our community.

“The main messaging really is to look out for one another at this time. Check in on family members, elderly relatives, neighbours, people that might be vulnerable with underlying conditions etc.

“It’s really important to keep our homes cool at this time, keep out of the sun – particularly the midday sun between 11am and 3pm, keep cool indoors by closing curtains and windows, particularly where they’re front-facing the sun.

“Avoid dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding excess alcohol. Use sunscreen if you do go outside and try to stay in the shade, wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and a hat for sun protection, keep an eye on children and keep medicines in fridges is really important.

“Physical activity is really important, and we don’t want to discourage that, but we’d encourage residents to adapt what they might do. So, if you’re going to go for a walk, go later in the evening when it’s a little bit cooler.

“A red alert does mean we’re mindful temperatures don’t drop overnight, and that’s when we see the impacts. So again, it’s really important that people try and rest as much as they can at nighttime by keeping cool.”

Residents should be mindful of the following advice:

Look out for those struggling to keep themselves cool and hydrated – such as older neighbours and people with underlying conditions
Stay cool indoors by closing curtains on rooms that face the sun
Drink plenty of fluids
Avoid excess alcohol
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle – especially babies, small children or animals
Check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly
Avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest
Wear suitable clothing outside, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
Take water with you if you are travelling
Follow local safety advice if you are going into water to cool down – avoid ponds, lakes and rivers
Check storage for medicines and use the fridge if necessary
Schedule exercise for times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening