HAMPSHIRE County Council has shared advice on staying safe during the hot weather spell.

The Met Office has issued a Level 3 Heatwave Alert for the South East region, meaning there is 90 per cent probability of heatwave conditions until 9am on Friday, July 23.

Hampshire County Council’s executive lead member for adult services and public health, Councillor Liz Fairhurst, said: “It’s important to look after yourself and those around you in this weather by following advice for protecting yourself, anyone you care for and people who are vulnerable to the heat.

"Don’t underestimate the heat and take action to stay well whilst heatwave conditions prevail.”

Groups particularly affected include babies and very young children, older people, people with pre-existing medical conditions such as heart conditions, diabetes, respiratory or renal problems, Parkinson’s disease or severe mental illness, as well as those on medications which affect renal function, sweating or which make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Some housing may also affect people’s ability to keep cool, such as living near the top of high-rise flats or being homeless.

The county council has now pushed out advice from the Department of Health, which is important for those in high-risk groups:

1. Stay out of the heat: Recommending to keep out of the sun from 11am to 3pm, avoiding physical exertion, wearing loose-fitting cotton clothes and walking in the shade, applying sunscreen and wearing a hat and light scarf should you need to go out.

2. Cool yourself down: Have plenty of cold drinks, avoid excessive alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, eat cold foods, take a cool shower and sprinkle water over skin or clothing.

3. Keep your environment cool: Place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom, keep windows that are exposed to sun closed during the day and close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun.

4. What to do if you know someone is unwell: Even people who are usually fit and well need to take particular care during a heatwave. Dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke can affect anyone. In addition, it is important that outdoor workers stay out of the sun and take measures to keep cool and hydrated.

Call NHS 111 or a GP if you or someone you know is unwell. Call 999 in an emergency.