The UK is currently experiencing a heatwave, and the Met Office have issued a red warning for parts of England and Wales from 9am Wednesday 24 June to 9pm Thursday 25 June.
A red warning indicates that dangerous weather is expected, with a high likelihood of risk to health, travel and energy supplies.
Temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday are predicted to hit between 38-39C, therefore we have put together guidance on how to stay safe and cool.
When the temperature rises, make sure to:
- Use a high protection sunscreen of at least SFF 30, which also has a UVA protection. Apply a generous amount and apply frequently, especially if you are spending a lot of time outdoors.
- You can protect your skin by wearing loose fitting clothes and always protect your face with a sunhat and sunglasses.
- Try and not be in direct sunlight between the hours of 11am-3pm as this is when the sun is strongest.
- Keep babies, young children and pets out of direct sunlight.
- Never leave children, anyone vulnerable or pets in a parked locked car.
- Never exercise pets when the temperature is very high. A regular walk could become a medical emergency.
- Always test pavements, footpaths and slabs in gardens and communal areas. If it’s too hot on your hand, it’s too hot for your pet.
- Make sure to drink plenty of water and fluids.
- If there are any changes to a mole or mark on your skin, book an appointment with your doctor to make sure everything is ok.
BBQ Safety
- Never use a BBQ (including disposables) indoors or on your balcony.
- Don’t cook in communal areas. Have your barbecues in a private space, away from neighbours and well away from sheds, fences, trees or shrubs.
- Keep children, garden games and pets well away from the BBQ.
- Have a bucket of water/sand or a fire extinguisher nearby in case of an emergency. If you’re using a gas BBQ, make sure you know how to cut the gas supply.
- Never leave your barbecue unattended.
- Smoke can get into hair, clothes, eyes and lungs, and can also contain carbon monoxide and other dangerous substances. Try and keep your distance as much as possible.
- Grilling gloves and utensils with a long handle will keep arms and hands safe from flames.
- Check your food is cooked: ideally, burgers, chicken and sausages should be tested with a thermometer before eating and no pink meat should be visible.
- After you have finished cooking, check the charcoal is cold or the gas has been turned off. Store your barbecue in a safe, dry place and not on your balcony.
If you have an emergency while having a BBQ, please call 999.
Tip to keep you and your home cool this summer
- Take lukewarm or cool showers.
- Close your windows, doors, curtains and blinds closed during a heatwave to keep the hot air out. When the sun goes down, open your windows and doors to let the cool air in.
- An electric fan is relatively cheap to run and will instantly cool you down. Remember, the fan will not decrease the air temperature, so don’t leave a fan in an empty room, as you will waste energy.
- At night, you might think it’s better to not wear anything, but wearing thin loose clothing will act as a sweat barrier between you and your bed sheets, which will help you feel cooler.
To read more about sun safety, here are some useful websites:
www.britishskinfoundation.org.uk
www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/