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15/07/2022 News

Top ways to stay safe when the heat arrives

Top ways to stay safe when the heat arrives are to:

  • Follow advice from the NHS
  • Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
  • If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat.
  • Stay cool indoors: Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
  • If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately.
  • Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol and caffeine.
  • Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
  • Follow sun safety tips: Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
  • Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
  • Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
  • Travelling in summer. During periods of extreme hot weather, adjust your travel to avoid the hottest days and times of day if you can.
  • Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling or commuting.
  • Check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings – you can find these on TV, radio, mobile  app or website.
  • During warm weather going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief. If you are going into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice.
  • If you or someone else feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather, it may be heat exhaustion or heatstroke. Find out about the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and when to get help
  • Please speak with your Line Manager, if you are struggling with the heat when working, commuting or have concern for other colleagues.

Sleep

We know how difficult it can be to get a restful night's sleep in hot weather, but there are some tricks you can do with your fan to help cool your room before you go to bed, and it can be as simple as using a bucket of ice! Here's how to cool down a room....

 

  1. Create a crosswind

The experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute recommend creating a crosswind, which essentially gets the hot air out and the cool air in.

'First, keep your windows, doors and blinds shut during the day to avoid hot sun beating down into your house. Then, during the evening, open your windows and place one fan facing out of your window, so it pushes the heat out,' they advise. Use a second fan, placed inwards, to circulate cool air into the room.'

  1. Use a bucket of ice

According to the GHI, placing a bucket of ice in front of a fan as a homemade AC unit is just as effective. 'As the air

passes over the ice it will be chilled and will circulate refreshingly cold air around the room,' they explain.

  1. Freeze bottles

There is one method that is particularly 'favoured' by the GHI's consumer director, so listen up. All you have to do is freeze an empty 4 pint or 1 litre plastic bottle, place it on a tray and cover with a damp cloth. Position this in front of the fan so the breeze is cooled from the iced bottle and your room will benefit from the cooler temperature.

Here’s a few other tips to try to keep cool:

  • Pull out your hot water bottle but fill it with ice cold water and have it in bed with you.'
  • Try putting socks in the fridge and wear them in bed – cooling your feet lowers the overall temperature of your skin and body, ideal during a hot summer's night.'
  • Cool a pillowcase in the fridge before bedtime or try one of the new cooling pillows that are available to buy – both will help you keep a cool head!'