A Red Heat Health Alert for extreme heat across Bedford Borough has been announced for Wednesday and Thursday this week, with very high temperatures expected.
An amber alert is currently in place, but moving to a red alert means the weather risk shifts from putting in place measures to protect vulnerable groups to emergency action to protect both vulnerable and healthy individuals who are now at risk of illness or death.
To help our collection crews, our bin collections will start earlier than usual, from 5.30am. This is to protect them from working in peak temperatures. Please put your bins out the night before where possible.
We understand that changes like earlier collections can be inconvenient, but these measures are in place to keep both residents and staff safe during extreme conditions, and we thank you for your patience.
If you need a break from the heat, you’re welcome to use our Welcoming Spaces. Find out more at our online story here.
Please take a moment to check in on neighbours, friends or family members who may be more vulnerable, including older residents, young children, and those with existing health conditions.
Anyone can become unwell when the weather is hot. People who are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell include:
- Older people aged 65-plus
- Children aged five and under
- People with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems
- Pregnant women
- People on certain medications
- People with serious mental health problems
- People who are already ill and dehydrated (for example from diarrhoea and vomiting)
- People who experience alcohol or drug dependence
- People who are physically active and spend a lot of time outside such as runners, cyclists and walkers
- People who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
- People experiencing homelessness, including rough sleepers and those who are unable to make adaptations to their living accommodation such as sofa surfers or living in hostels
- People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves.
There are a few very simple things we can all to do stay safe when we experience high temperatures.
This includes looking out for people who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Get in touch with friends, family or neighbours that may need help keeping cool.
Staying cool indoors is important, taking action like closing curtains on rooms that face the sun but also remembering that it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
And if you’re out and about, try to keep out of the sun and avoid physical exertion in the hottest part of the day. It is often cooler in the early mornings and in the evenings but check local weather forecasts to see conditions in your area.
When out in the sun think about covering up with suitable clothing, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses and applying SPF 30+ sunscreen with UVA protection.
There’s lots more information online to help you stay safe during hot weather. Visit the UKHSA and NHS websites including their pages on how to beat the heat and on heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Met Office also have information on their WeatherReady campaign which you may also find useful.