BRENTWOOD Council are warning residents to stay safe as we get forecasts of an upcoming "heatwave.”

The Met Office has forecast the heatwave, with high temperatures over the next few days.

Brentwood Council's Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board, Olivia Sanders, said: “While many people enjoy hot weather, high temperatures can be dangerous, especially for people who may be particularly vulnerable such as older people, young children and those with serious illnesses.

“Everyone can enjoy the sun safely by keeping out of the heat at the hottest time of the day, avoiding sunburn and staying hydrated with plenty of cool drinks.

“Older people and those with long-term illnesses are particularly vulnerable to the effects of very hot weather, so it’s important to look out for them and keep indoor areas as cool as possible.”

According to the Council, it is a critical stage to ensure readiness and swift action to reduce harm from a potential heatwave.

During hot spells vulnerable groups, such as the older people, feel the acute effects of heat more than others and it’s long been recognised that death rates rise in the early stages of heatwaves.

Even if temperatures do not hit extreme levels, Public Health England still advises people to keep safe in the sun, seek shade to cool down and keep hydrated with plenty of cool fluids.

The Council are advising people to stay sun safe by trying to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, wearing UV sunglasses and drinking cool drinks and taking water when travelling.

Other advice includes looking out for others, especially vulnerable groups such as older people, young children and babies and those with serious illnesses and never leaving anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially older people, infants, young children or animals

They recommend keeping windows at cooler times, closing curtains facing the sun and turning off non-essential lights and electrical items that generate heat.

For more information visit the NHS Choices website for their "Heatwave Be Prepared" advice www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Summerhealth/Pages/Heatwave.aspx