The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has issued a notice of extreme fire risk (Danger Rating Red) effective from today for all areas where hazardous fuels exist and that these conditions will persist until at least midday on the 29th.
Donegal County Council wishes to appeal to landowners and members of the public to exercise caution and to take all necessary measures to prevent wildfires such as gorse, heather, forestry and similar fires.
All land owners and members of the public are urged to be vigilant and to report any uncontrolled or unattended fires immediately to the Fire Service by dialing 999 or 112.
The Council is also urging people not to engage in activities that could contribute to the cause of wildfires.
Donegal County Council would also like to remind landowners and members of the public that under the Wildlife Act 1976 and the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000 it is an offence to cut, grub, burn or otherwise destroy any vegetation growing on any land not then cultivated between 1st day of March and 31st day of August in any year.
Meanwhile, the HSE has also provided advice to the public following the alert from Met Eireann indicating that temperatures will hit 26 degrees celsius this week with a high chance that an average temperature of 30 degrees by day and 15 overnight will occur in the next day or so.
During a hot spell those with heart, respiratory and serious health problems are more at risk of potentially adverse effects of very warm weather, while babies and young children are also especially at risk.
While the heat can affect anyone, the following are most at risk of serious harm:
– Older people, especially those over 75
– Babies and young children
– People with serious mental health problems
– People on certain medications
– People with a serious chronic condition, particularly breathing or heart problems
– People who already have a high temperature from an infection
– People who misuse alcohol or take illicit drugs
– People with mobility problems
– People who are physically active, like manual workers and athletes.
Top tips for keeping cool
– It is best to avoid getting too hot in the first place. Stay tuned to the weather forecast.
– Remember to think of those who may be more at risk from the effects of heat.
– If you’re planning to travel, check the forecast at your destination.
– Learn how to keep cool and safe at home HSE guidance
Stay out of the heat
– Keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
– If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection
– Avoid extreme physical exertion. If you can’t avoid strenuous outdoor activity, like sport, DIY or gardening, keep it for cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening
– Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes and a hat to shade face, neck and ears
– Wear wrap around sun glasses with UV protection
– Wear sun protection factor: factor 30 or over with a 4 or 5 Star UVA rating on any areas that cannot be covered by clothing and a hat
– Young children, especially babies, and the elderly are more susceptible to sun damage so be extra careful.
Cool yourself down
– Drink plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
– Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content
– Take a cool shower, bath or body wash
– Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck.
Keep your environment cool
– Keep your living space cool. This is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or those who can’t look after themselves
– Keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped
– Close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun
– Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat
– Keep plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air
– If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping
– Electric fans can help but only if temperature is below 35C.
Look out for others
– Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool
– Ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars
– Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heat wave
– Be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is unwell or further help is needed.
Advice on medicines
– Many prescription medicines can reduce your tolerance of heat. You should keep taking your medicines, but take extra care to keep cool.
– Danger symptoms to watch out for in hot weather include: feeling faint and dizzy, short of breath, vomiting or increasing confusion. Take immediate action if – danger symptoms of heatstroke are present: Cool down as quickly as possible. However do not take aspirin or paracetamol – this can make you worse. Do however carry on taking all other prescribed medicines. Seek further advice from a doctor, or ring 999 if the person has collapsed.
– Keep medicines below 25°C or in the refrigerator (read the storage instructions on the packaging)
– Seek medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking multiple medications.
If you or others feel unwell
– Try to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache; move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature
– Drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate
– Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular cramps (particularly in the legs, arms or abdomen, in many cases after sustained exercise during very hot weather)
– Drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes
– Seek medical attention as needed if heat cramps last more than one hour
– Consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist.
Seek advice if you have any concerns
– Contact your doctor or a pharmacist if you are worried about your health during a heat wave, especially if you are taking medication, if you feel unwell or have any unusual symptoms
– Watch for cramp in your arms, legs or stomach, feelings of mild confusion, weakness or problems sleeping
– If you have these symptoms, rest for several hours, keep cool and drink water or fruit juice. Seek medical advice if they get worse or don’t go away.
If you suspect someone has heatstroke
– Remember, heatstroke can kill. It can develop very suddenly, and rapidly lead to unconsciousness. If you suspect someone has heatstroke, call 999 immediately.
– While waiting for the ambulance, move the person somewhere cooler if possible, increase ventilation by opening windows or using a fan and cool the affected person as quickly as possibly by loosening their clothes, sprinkling them with cold water or wrapping them in a damp sheet. If they are conscious, give them water or fruit juice to drink.
– DO NOT give them aspirin or paracetamol.
HSE advises everyone to enjoy the sun but protect themselves against skin cancer
Despite being the most common cancer in Ireland, skin cancer can be prevented. Dr Patrick Ormond, Consultant Dermatologist at St. James’s Hospital says, “Over 75% of the population in Ireland have ‘Celtic skin type’ where we freckle and burn easily. We tan with difficulty, or not at all and we carry the highest risk of getting skin cancer. People with a fair complexion need to be extra careful in the sun. We can protect our skin by covering up (hat, sunglasses, long sleeved clothing), seeking shade and using a ‘broad spectrum’ sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30.
“There’s not much you can do about your skin type or genetics, but there are two things you can do to protect your skin for the future and reduce the risk of skin cancer – No sun burning and no sunbathing. Protect yourself from unnecessary sun exposure today, and your skin will thank you for the rest of your life” he added.
The UV index measures the strength of the sun’s UV rays. The higher the UV index, the higher the risk of skin and eye damage. When the index is three or higher, you need to cover up, seek shade and apply ‘broad-spectrum’ sunscreen SPF 30. The UV Index is available on Met Eireann’s website and is also published in daily newspapers.”
“And never use a sunbed. People who use them before the age of 35 greatly increase their risk of getting a melanoma, which is the most serious of all skin cancers” he added.
Dr Ormond also outlined the following tips on being sun safe:
– Seek Shade: UV rays are the most intense between 11am and 3-4pm, so limit sun exposure during this time.
– Cover up: Wear loose long-sleeved shirts and long pants. 95% of UV rays are blocked by cotton. Wear a wide brimmed hat that shades the head, neck, ears and face.
– Wraparound sunglasses: Wear sunglasses that block as close to 100% UVA and UVB as possible. Sunglasses are just as important for children as they are for adults and can prevent cataracts in later life.
– Wear sunscreen: Use a ‘broad-spectrum’ sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB; – SPF minimum 30 (protects against UVB) and look for these signs (symbols) for UVA protection. Apply at least 20 minutes before going out in the sun and reapply every two hours. The amount of sunscreen that’s needed to cover the body of an average adult is around six full teaspoons of lotion. It is important to know that sunscreen use alone is not adequate protection against UV rays; you need to be aware of your skin type and how strong the UV index is. Babies should be kept of direct sunlight. People who are at high risk of skin cancer should use SPF 50.
– Know your moles: Melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. over 1,000 people are diagnosed with malignant melanoma, and over 11,100 people are diagnosed with other forms of skin cancer each year in Ireland. It is the third most common cancer diagnosed in 15 – 44 year age group. Dr Ormond stressed that “when caught early, this type of cancer can be treated effectively. However, if left untreated, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body. There are many factors that increase the risk of someone developing melanoma. These include a person with many abnormal moles, or a large number of moles – more than 50; fair complexion (fair skin, blue eyes, red/blonde hair); having had a previous melanoma or other non-melanoma skin cancer; immunosuppression (anyone who for example has had a transplant or is on immunosuppressive medication); anyone who has had a family history of melanoma; anyone with a history of childhood sunburn or anyone who has used a sunbed.”
Noting that sun exposure is the best natural resource of Vitamin D and is essential for bone health, Dr Ormond explained that “the amount of time needed in the sun to make enough Vitamin D varies from person to person. It depends on a person’s skin type, amount of skin exposed, season and the time of day. People can make enough Vitamin D from short, sunlight exposure on a bright day, for example 10-20 minutes exposure to the face and hands is considered sufficient.”
HSE Exhaustion and Heatstroke information
For more information on Vitamin D click here
Information on Skin Types is available here
HSE Melanoma information and HSE National Melanoma Guidelines is here
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