People are being urged by Bradford Council to make sure they are prepared for the extreme heat which has been forecast to hit the area over the weekend and in to the early part of next week.
Although the weather at the moment is relatively mild, the Met Office has issued an exceptionally rare Red Warning for Extreme Heat from midnight on Sunday until midnight on Tuesday for areas bordering on the Bradford district.
They have also issued an Amber Warning for Extreme Heat which covers the whole of the Bradford district from midnight on Saturday until midnight on Tuesday, with temperatures expected to be in the mid 30 degrees Celsius.
Bradford Council has put together a page of information and advice on its website to raise awareness of the risks of extreme heat especially on vulnerable residents. The page contains links to advice and tips on how to cope during hot weather and ways to keep your home cool, as well as advice from the NHS on heat associated health risks and information from the RSPCA about caring for animals during hot weather.
People are being encouraged to look out for family, friends and neighbours who are vulnerable to help them to stay well.
Residents are also being reminded of the many dangers of using open water including canals, rivers and reservoirs to cool off, that have tragically and all too recently taken lives. People are being encouraged to heed the warnings and #BeWaterAware.
The rising temperatures also increase the risks of wildfires, and people are being reminded that barbecues, campfires, fireworks and sky lanterns are not allowed on moorland, in woodland or in parks across the Bradford district.
Officers across Bradford Council have enacted their extreme weather plans. Information has been issued to council staff including care homes, schools, those working outside including bin collection crews, Parks, Highways, Neighbourhood Wardens and Youth Workers with advice for residents and around safe working in the heat.
Those visiting residents homes will carry extra water and will be sharing advice to help the most vulnerable cope during this period of extreme heat.
Council outreach workers have been working with the homeless in the district, providing extra water and sun cream and securing accommodation until Wednesday, and as always offering support to help resolve housing situations on a longer term basis.
Council Highways crews are on standby to deal with any issues on the roads caused by the hot weather.
Due to the extreme temperatures forecast for next week, bin collections will start earlier in the day than usual. If your bin is due for collection on Tuesday (19th July) please put your bin out for collection the night before it is due to be emptied.
For the safety of our crews, bin collections may be suspended if it becomes too hot. If your collection is delayed and doesn't take place, please leave your bin out until it is emptied.
The earlier start is part of a range of measures being taken to protect our bin collection crews and will help avoid having to work during the hottest time of the day.
Information is available on the council’s website at: www.bradford.gov.uk