The government has laid out warnings and advice to schools as the UK prepares for one of the hottest periods in living memory. The Met Office issued a red weather warning for extreme heat for Nottingham and Nottinghamshire earlier today, with temperatures expected to top 37C on Tuesday (July 19).
A red warning, meaning it's very likely there will be a high impact on people and infrastructure, is in place from 12 midnight on Monday (July 18) through to 11.59pm on Tuesday, and is the highest warning that can be issued. The imminent weather is described as 'exceptionally hot' by the Met Office.
Now, per the governments 'The Education Hub' blog advise has been handed out to schools alerting them to the dangers that the weather could pose to children. The blog states that children are more susceptible to high temperatures than adults.
Read more: Live updates as Met Office issues first ever red weather warning for extreme heat
The government has not advised schools to close at all next week, but have laid out some key points for schools to remember to ensure that children are adequately protected. Below are some of the key points from the governments advice page as the country attempts to deal with the extreme high temperatures:
Children are more susceptible to high temperatures than adults
According to the Department for Health and Social Care, children cannot control their body temperature as efficiently as adults during hot weather because they do not sweat as much and so can be at risk of ill-health from heat. Heat-related illness can range from mild heat stress to heatstroke.
The main risk from heat is dehydration (not having enough water in the body). If sensible precautions are taken children are unlikely to be adversely affected by hot conditions but teachers, assistants, school nurses and all child carers should look out for signs of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
How to protect children from the heat
The Department of Health and Social Care recommends children should not take part in vigorous physical activity on very hot days, such as when temperatures are in excess of 30°C. Children should wear loose, light-coloured clothing to help keep cool and sunhats with wide brims and should stay in the shade as much as possible. Sunscreen should be used to protect skin and children should be provided with plenty of water.
In terms of how to manage heat indoors, they recommend that, where possible, windows should be opened as early as possible in the morning before children arrive, or preferably overnight to allow stored heat to escape from the building (checking insurance conditions and need for security if windows are to be left open overnight). Windows should be closed when the outdoor air becomes warmer than the air indoors – this should help keep the heat out while allowing adequate ventilation. Indoor blinds or curtains can be closed where possible but should not block ventilation.
The use of electric lighting should be kept to a minimum and equipment should not be left in ‘standby mode’ as this generates heat. Oscillating mechanical fans can be used to increase air movement if temperatures are below 35°C – at temperatures above 35°C fans may not prevent heat-related illness and may worsen dehydration.
Signs of heat related medical conditions in children
The signs of heat stress are:
- Children may seem out of character and show signs of discomfort and irritability. These signs can include those listed below for heat exhaustion and will worsen if left untreated leading to heat exhaustion and/or heatstroke
The signs of heat exhaustion include:
- tiredness
- dizziness
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- hot, red, and dry skin
- confusion
Signs of heatstroke include
- high body temperature – a temperature of or above 40°C (104°F) is a major sign of heatstroke
- red, hot skin and sweating that then suddenly stops
- fast heartbeat
- fast shallow breathing
- confusion/lack of co-ordination
- fits
- loss of consciousness
For more information on heat related illnesses visit the Department for Health and Social Care’s website.
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