How to cope with a heatwave

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'Keeping the home as cool as possible during hot weather and remembering the needs of friends, relatives and neighbours who could be at risk is essential.' Yvonne Doyle, Regional Director of Public Health

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The hot weather's here at last, but do you know how to keep cool in a heatwave?

This year, the Department of Health has published a Heatwave Plan to let people know what they can do and what to watch out for.

Why can heat be dangerous?

Excessive heat can:

Increase heart problems
Raise breathing problems
Cause heatstroke

What makes a heatwave?

There are four different heatwave levels.

- Level 1 - Green: This is the 'normal' state, where there is no more than a 50% risk of heatwave. People should just be aware of the risks of heat and the need to keep cool.
- Level 2 - Amber: Alert and readiness - there's now a 60% chance that 'threshold' temperatures will be reached for 2 or more days. 'Threshold' temperatures vary from region to region around the country, but are around 30°C during the day and 15°C at night.
- Level 3 - Red: Heatwave action - this stage is reached when threshold temperatures have been reached in at least one region around the country.
- Level 4 - Red Emergency: When the Heatwave Plan hits 4, the situation is extremely serious - this is when the heatwave is so severe that it's likely to cause power or water shortages.

- read on to find out how to look after yourself and your little ones

By Rob Mansfield