LGA calls on residents to support vulnerable during heatwave

The Local Government Association (LGA) has called on residents to support the vulnerable or elderly people within their families as temperatures sore.

The news comes as the Met Office has issued a heatwave level 2 warning.

There is currently an annual heatwave plan which involves local authorities, health professionals and the emergency services working together to help keep people safe.

However the LGA has called on people to keep vigilant.

Councillor Izzi Seccombe, the LGA's Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder, said: “The hundreds of deaths caused by high temperatures each year are avoidable. Councils are determined to reduce the toll as much as possible, but they cannot do it alone.

“Local people can make a massive difference by helping us identify other residents who might need some advice or practical help.’

She continued: “No-one is immune to the power of the sun. Drinking plenty of water, keeping our homes cool, avoiding direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day and using sunscreen are sensible precautions we all need to remember.

“Looking around at how our older neighbours are coping as we walk our children to school or head to the beach for a day out takes no effort, but could be crucial in making sure they are also able to make the best of the summer.”