STEPS are being taken to ensure elderly and vulnerable people are kept safe and healthy during the heatwave.

Harrow Council has issued their entire adult services staff with instructions to help people with tips on how to cool down and how to keep their environment cool after a Level 3 warning was triggered today, meaning that the Met Office has confirmed that that there is a 90 per cent chance of heat wave conditions that can have a significant effect on health.

Front line staff who conduct visits to the elderly and vulnerable in their homes will now be giving out instructions and advice to those they visit on keeping safe in the sun.

Harrow Council’s portfolio holder for adults, community and wellbeing, Councillor Krishna James, said: "While many people are enjoying the heat wave, the conditions can put the health of our elderly and vulnerable residents in jeopardy.

"We are using our networks of support to make sure that our front line staff are helping vulnerable people to keep cool and watching out for any signs of danger. This could save lives and, at the very least, make sure our residents are kept comfortable in the heat.

"Anyone wanting tips on how to stay cool in the heat should go to the Harrow Council website."

The council has also set up a dedicated webpage at www.harrow.gov.uk/heatwave giving advice and guidance to everyone on how to cope in the hot weather.

The key advice is to try and keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, and if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat.

It is also advisable to avoid physical exertion, wear loose fitting cotton clothes, drink plenty of cold drinks and never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.