Ways to stay cool and safe in the heat this week

With temperatures reaching 30°C across Warwickshire this week (W/C 29 July 2024), Warwickshire Resilience Forum shares key information on how you can keep cool and stay safe while enjoying the summer holidays.

Getting ready to head outside

It's crucial to ensure you are stocked up on key items like suncream (ideally SPF 30 or above) and insect repellent. Be sure to take any hayfever medicine you need, and bring a sun hat and a water bottle with you when heading outside.

Close the curtains in rooms facing the sun, and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.

Keep an eye on the Met Office website and Met Office app (available on Apple and Android) to stay up-to-date with current and upcoming temperatures, UV levels, pollen forecasts and any storms which might follow the hot weather.

Try to stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm), and stay in the shade where possible.

Getting around

If you're planning on using your car in the hot weather, ensure your coolant levels are where they should be, and cooling fans are working correctly. Cooling-related faults cause more breakdowns in the hotter months. Read the Met Office's Vehicle Check Guide for tips here.

Once you've got to where you're going, never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.

Staying safe in the water

If you go into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice. Do not swim in quarries as there may be hidden dangers under the water surface you can't see.

While enjoying a barbeque, keep a bucket of water or a hosepipe nearby. Sparks from a barbeque can fall or be blown onto wooden sheds, fences or dry grass and may cause a fire.

For all the best ways to stay safe in hot weather, as well as how to prepare and recover, visit our dedicated Heatwave page.

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