Dudley Council’s office of public health is warning residents to be careful in the sun following the issue of a heatwave alert nationally.

Public Health England issued the alert today (Friday 12 July) as temperatures over the weekend are expected to soar.

People are advised to keep safe in the sun, seek shade to cool down, keep hydrated with plenty of fluids and make sure when they are out in the sun they wear sunscreen.

Sunburn increases the risk of skin cancer, so whether at home or abroad, people are advised to stay in the shade and apply at least factor 15 sunscreen generously and regularly to protect their skin.

Councillor Stuart Turner, cabinet member for health & wellbeing, said:

“Being out in the sunshine in the summer is a perfectly natural and enjoyable thing to do and we very much want people to enjoy their summer safely. But it’s really important that people remember that being out in the sunshine at this time of the year, and especially at those times of the day when the sun is at its highest, carries the risk of sunburn.”

Valerie Little, director of public health said:

“Every year too many people from the UK who are out in the sun here and abroad pay a price for not protecting themselves properly. If you intend to sunbathe, or be outdoors, it is important to take practical steps to protect yourself from the harmful effects of the sun.

“You should also be aware that cloud cover does not protect against UV rays, so even when clouds are blocking the sun our advice should still be followed.”

Sunburn is skin damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much exposure to UV light can make skin red and painful, which can later lead to peeling and blistering. However, the symptoms may not occur immediately and can take up to five hours to appear.

For more information and advice about sun awareness visit NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk or www.cancerresearchuk.org