Keeping cool in hot weather

Most of us can enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but it is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm.

If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather.

The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:

look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated
stay hydrated, take water with you if you are travelling or out and about
stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm as this is when UV rays are the strongest - avoid physical exertion at this time
if you have to go out in the heat stay in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide brimmed hat
close curtains in rooms that the sun faces - this will help rooms remain cooler - remember it could be cooler outdoors than indoors
never leave anyone in a parked closed vehicle – especially not animals, children or babies
avoid travelling at peak times on motorways, particularly if transporting children or the elderly
look out for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and follow some common sense behaviours to make the most of what should be a glorious time for most.

Water Safety

Sadly, accidents often happen in water at this time of year - particularly involving children and young people. Parents and guardians are asked to supervise children in and around water at all times.

Although it can be fun to cool off in water structures such as bridges, locks and flood channels, reservoirs and quarries, they should be avoided.

Unexpected cold water or strong currents can catch even experienced swimmers off guard. Make sure you know the RNLI’s Float to Live and if you choose to swim, do so safely at one of the county’s organised open water swimming events where support is provided.

Rough sleeper support

Our Rough Sleeping Team will be mobilised and will work alongside the Hope Centre and other voluntary sector partners to provide water, sun cream, shade and guidance about keeping safe during a heatwave to anybody sleeping rough.

The whereabouts and identity of any rough sleeper’s location should be reported to the Rough Sleeping Team during office hours and to the Council’s Out of Hours Emergency Service at all other times (0300 126 3000).

Help for people sleeping rough in very cold or extreme weather

Care Homes and vulnerable people

Health and social care professionals will identify people they care for who are at high risk and make plans to support them and check on them regularly during periods of warm weather.

Hot weather guidance has been issued to care homes to identify situations where overheating may cause harm to health and provide actions to take and where to get help and support.

Planning a BBQ?

Please take care and ensure the ashes are completely cold before putting them in your refuse bin – best extinguished with water to make sure they are safe. Hot ashes can melt or even cause fires in bins and in the waste collection vehicles.

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Last updated 20 December 2023