With the warm weather set to continue into and possibly beyond the weekend, we have rounded up some of the trusted safety advice out there to help keep you and your loved ones healthy, well and without the need to use our services.
Keeping Well.
There are a number of things you need to think about to stay healthy in the hot weather. Staying cool, hydrated, ensuring you look after your skin, avoiding heat stroke and looking out for elderly or vulnerable neighbours and family members are top of that list.
There are some very good, informative websites from the NHS and Department of Health and Safety that can help you to do that. Each one is well worth a read so please take a look at these sites and make use of the advice…
- Sunscreen and Sun Safety (NHS Website) – Click here
- Avoiding heat stroke (NHS) – Click here
- Dehydration and how to spot the signs (NHS) – Click here
- Staying safe in the hot weather – Easy Read (Gov.UK) – Click here
- Look out for neighbours and general advice (Heatalert.org) – Click here
Water Safety
Hot weather draws people to water, whether it’s the beach, lake, riverside or outdoor swimming pools. It is important to know that not everywhere has lifeguard support and are not always as safe as they look.
Please stick to public places like a beach, pool or leisure site and make sure you follow the safety advice – Do not swim in rivers, lakes or quarries where unseen currents can make swimming dangerous and there is no lifeguard support.
If you do get into or see someone else in trouble, here’s what you need to do.
For emergencies in inland waters (rivers, lakes and canals), dial 999 and ask for the Fire Service. For coastal or sea emergencies, dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard.
- Remember, Float to Live if you, or someone else gets into trouble
- Tilt your head back with ears submerged
- Relax and breathe normally
- Move hands and legs gently to stay afloat
Once your breathing is controlled, call for help and, if possible, try making your way to safety.
Look after your environment!
If you are out and about at a local beauty spot, do your bit to keep it that way by respecting the environment.
- Don't dispose of cigarettes outdoors as they can ignite fields and harm wildlife.
- Take your empty food and drink wrappers home, glass bottle can reflect heat and cause wildfires
- Check your car and make sure you take plenty of fluids in case of a breakdown.
Don’t let your barbecue become a disaster!
And we don’t just mean burnt food! Follow this advice to ensure you, those around you and the environment remains safe, click here for advice from the Food Standards Agency, here’s more that you can do…
- Only barbecue in safe areas, away from sheds, fences and trees and keep a bucket of water nearby.
- Please don’t use disposable barbecues in public spaces.
- Never leave your barbecue unattended and keep children and pets away from them.
- Don't light any barbecues inside as fumes can be extremely dangerous.
- When you're done, ensure your barbecue is fully extinguished. Never put hot ashes into a dustbin or wheelie bin as they can melt the plastic.
- Make sure your food is cooked thoroughly and wash your hands after handling raw meat to avoid food poisoning.
Stay safe and enjoy the warm weather ☀️🚒
More summer safety advice, click here.