PEOPLE living in Ludlow and south Shropshire are being warned that a very hot summer can have a downside.

The risks and how to avoid them are being highlighted as part of Shropshire Council’s Stay Safe and Well this Summer campaign.

People are advised to keep out of the sun, especially between 11am and 3pm and to make sure that, if they are in the sun, effective screening lotions are applied and loose-fitting clothes and hats worn.

Children, older people and those with illness are more vulnerable to the heat. Dehydration can be a particular problem and people are advised to drink plenty.

Animals are also at risk and should never be kept in cars or other vehicles in the sun even with windows open and not even for short periods of time.

But it is not only outside that people can be at risk as the home can get very hot.

Curtains should be drawn to provide shade, unnecessary electrical appliances that generate heat should also be turned off.

Windows are best opened during cooler periods such as in the early morning, evening and overnight to allow cool air in and hot air to escape. But people should also be aware of the security risks of leaving unattended windows and doors open.

Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health and well-being, and chair of Shropshire’s Health and Well-being Board, added: “Heatwaves can be dangerous, especially for the very young or very old, or those with chronic disease.

“Heat exhaustion and heatstroke can both be very serious if they are not treated quickly.”

Advice on how to reduce the risk from excessively hot weather can be obtained from NHS Choices at www.nhs.uk/summerhealth, NHS 111.