EXPERTS are warning people to take extra care as Sussex prepares for its hottest day of the year so far today.

Temperatures across the county are expected to reach about 30C, sparking concerns about the welfare of the elderly and vulnerable.

Health experts and charities have been issuing advice on how to keep cool.

The Met Office has issued a Level 2 health warning of heatwave conditions which is in place until tomorrow (thurs) morning.

Although many are expected to enjoy being out and about in the sun, the warmer weather also brings a likely increase in ambulance callouts and hospital visits.

South East Coast Ambulance Service says calls relating to sunburn, dehydration and heat stroke typically go up.

High temperatures can also seriously affect people with long-term conditions such as heart conditions or high blood pressure.

Andy Cashman, the Ambulance service's head of contingency, planning and resilience, said: “Most people will be grateful for the fine weather and are going to be keen to get out and enjoy the summer weather.

“However, we’d simply ask that they are sensible and cover up and use sun cream, drink plenty of water and use their common sense.

“The very young, older people and those with pre-existing conditions need to be particularly careful but the sun can be harmful for everyone.”

Age UK technical advice supporter Sheelagh Donovan also warned elderly people to be careful.

She said: “If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to visit or phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat.

“It's important to be aware of friends and neighbours during a heatwave and to let people know if you are on your own and have any concerns.

“Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition and can develop if heat exhaustion is left untreated.”

Animal welfare officers from Brighton and Hove City Council are also warning dog owners to be prepared.

This includes never leaving a dog in the conservatory or the car, even with a window open, and avoiding taking it out for a walk in the middle of the day.

10 TOP TIPS TO KEEPING COOL

  1. Stay inside during the hottest time of the day – late morning to mid-afternoon. If you do go out use sunscreen of factor 15 or above, wear a hat and stay in the shade.
  2. When inside, try to keep your house cool. Keep curtains and blinds closed. Shut windows when it’s cooler inside than out.
  3. Use sunscreen and cover up. If you can’t avoid being out in the sun apply strong sunscreen and wear a t-shirt, hat and sunglasses.
  4. Avoid or limit strenuous activities like housework and gardening – try to do these activities when it’s cooler in the early morning or evening.
  5. When travelling always carry a bottle of water and drink lots of fluid even if you aren’t thirsty. Limit drinks with caffeine and avoid alcohol as it can make dehydration worse.
  6. Eat normally but try to have more cold foods, particularly salads and fruits as they contain a lot of water
  7. Be sensible with alcohol. Hot weather speeds up the effects of alcohol so extra care should be taken when drinking. Alcohol will lead to dehydration so make sure that you alternate alcoholic drinks with water or fruit juice.
  8. Choose the right clothes. It may sound obvious, but light-coloured, loose cotton clothing can help you stay cool. Dark colours absorb the light and make you warmer.
  9. Take cool baths or showers. Try splashing your face with cold water or placing a cool damp cloth on the back of your neck.
  10. Keep a close eye on young children, who need plenty of fluids. A good way to check if they are drinking enough is that they are passing urine regularly and that it is not too dark. Babies and the very young must be kept out of the sun.