A RED heat health alert is in place across the Westcountry as record high temperatures bring increased risks to health for everybody, particularly for vulnerable people.

Local authorities and other organisations have been stepping in to help reduce the danger to people from the sweltering start to summer.

Somerset Council is working closely with partners to support communities and ensure essential services continue to operate safely and has activated its severe weather emergency protocol (SWEP) to support people sleeping rough during the extreme heat.

Council teams are increasing welfare checks and providing practical support including drinking water, sunscreen, and sun hats, as well as help to access cool, safe spaces.

Trained staff are also supporting those showing signs of heat-related illness.

Practical steps are being taken to protect staff and minimise disruption.

Waste collections have started earlier from 6 am, and will stop at midday, to reduce the risks to crews working in high temperatures.

Advice on dealing with excessive heat has been given to schools and early years groups, encouraging them to review their arrangements to protect children and young people.

This includes measures to keep children cool, well hydrated, and safe during the hottest parts of the day, particularly for those who may be more vulnerable.

Schools and early years groups have been asked to remain open, with advice provided to help them manage the heat safely, including adapting activities, keeping children well hydrated, and ensuring cool, well‑ventilated environments.

A council spokesperson said: “We are aware that some schools have taken the decision to close and we understand that they will make these decisions based on their local circumstances and the needs of their pupils and staff.”

To keep the heat at bay during the next few days, the advice is to drink plenty of water, avoid the hottest part of the day from 11 am to 3 pm, and anybody who is outside should wear a hat and sunscreen and stay in the shade where possible.

Indoor spaces should be kept cool where possible by, counterintuitively, drawing curtains or blinds, and older or vulnerable people should be checked, while unnecessary travel should be avoided.

Experts have warned people to take care around open water during hot weather, as swimming in open water can cause cold water shock and hidden hazards can pose serious risks even on very warm days.

Further advice is available on Somerset Council’s website.