Health precautions should be taken to protect vulnerable people in the face of a mini heatwave, councils urge.

The Local Government Association (LGA) is calling on residents to keep an eye on vulnerable or elderly family and friends as the temperature is set to increase to 33 degrees Celsius over the next few days.

The Met Office has also issued a heatwave level 2 warning, which could be raised to level 3.

In 2003 there was a heatwave in which more than 2,000 people in England died due to the extreme temperatures.

There is an annual heatwave plan with local authorities, health professionals and the emergency services working together to help keep people safe, but the LGA says people should be vigilant.

The LGA’s Community Wellbeing Portfolio Holder, Cllr Izzi Seccombe, 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.’

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