AS IRELAND FACES what is possibly its hottest day this year, many different organisations are issuing warnings to take care.
We’ve had a run of good weather recently. Temperatures will get up to between 24 and 29 degrees today, and are staying up into the twenties for the rest of the week too.
It’s the perfect opportunity to get outside, break out your shorts and go to the beach.
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But that doesn’t mean there aren’t reasons to be cautious.
The Irish Pharmacy Union is telling people to always:
This is especially important for older people and babies.
Carmel Collins, vice president of the IPU, points out:
Some medications, especially some antibiotics, acne preparations, heart tablets and antidepressants, can make skin more sensitive to the sun, resulting in increased risk of sunburn, even on a cloudy day so people should ask their local pharmacist whether this applies to them.
Mind your pets
The DSPCA and ARAN are reminding people to keep their pets in a cool room out of the sunlight, and make sure they have plenty of water.
ARAN notes: “Unlike humans, dogs can cool themselves only by panting and sweating through their paw pads. Soaring temperatures can cause heat stress or permanent physical harm and even be fatal.”
They warn that the paths can get very hot and burn your dog’s paws, so you should check the temperature with your hand or foot before taking them out.
You should also never leave an animal in a parked car during warm weather.
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Inventive ways to cool your pet down include wetting a towel for your dog to lie on and freezing wet dog or cat food in an empty yoghurt carton to make them an ice pop.
Check on older neighbours
Age Action is urging people to check on their older neighbours, especially those living alone, as warm weather can be especially difficult for older people.
It advises that they sip cold drinks, turn off unnecessary equipment, pull the curtains to cover sunlight and leave windows open to let the air circulate.
Julian Moran of Age Action says: “Everybody can play their part to ensure that everyone in their community remains well during the current warm spell and can enjoy the sunshine.”
Check your beach
The Environmental Protection Agency advises people to use their beach website, splash.epa.ie, to check the water quality of the beach they are considering visiting. It will also tell you if there are lifesaving facilities and if the beach is dog friendly.
It also advises people not to litter and never to swim where a red flag is flying.
And don’t forget, there’s a jellyfish warning issued. So watch out for these:
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