Keeping Cool This Summer

It’s been unusually hot these past few weeks, which comes as a welcome surprise to some while others can’t wait for it to cool down. The UK is facing a number of challenges as a result of the heatwave, with water shortage warnings from water companies, hosepipe bans and even rail service delays due to overheating tracks.

Apart from problems with infrastructure, heatwaves can pose serious risks to people’s health. Sustained heatwaves are associated with an increase in hospitalisations and even deaths, especially if temperatures don’t fall substantially in the evenings. Milder reactions to heat exposure, like heat rashes and muscle cramps, can be treated with rest, a cool environment and more water. But if you’re concerned about serious heat-related symptoms, call NHS 111 or 999 in an emergency.

We can provide tailored advice over the phone about ways to keep cool and well at home, so please call us on Freephone 0800 804 8601.

Want more tips to beat the heat?

Stay hydrated

• Drink plenty of cold fluids, preferably without caffeine or alcohol
• Eat fruit and veg with a high water content e.g. melons, cucumber, tomato, salad, citrus etc.

Cool your body

• Run a cool bath, take a cool shower or wipe down with a wet washcloth
• Slow down – try not to overexert yourself in the heat

Outdoors

• Avoid the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm)

• If you must go out, dress for the heat – wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and light, loose-fitting clothing minimises skin exposure and protects you from UV rays.

Cool your home

• Shade the windows or use a reflective material
• Ventilate when it’s cooler outside (typically at night)
• Turn off appliances that aren’t being used. Standby power adds heat to your home. And it’s doubly important to turn off old-style incandescent bulbs if you have sufficient lighting otherwise since these give off most of their energy in the form of heat as opposed to light!
• Though many people think of insulation to keep their home warm during the winter, insulation can also keep your home cool in summer. Contact us for more details about the different ways to insulate your home or about the schemes that could help with the cost of the work.

Still not cool enough? Find a library, community centre, shopping centre, place of worship or even a shaded park to cool off.

If you’re wondering when the heatwave will end, check out the Met Office website for updates on weather changes, including any hot weather alerts. And be sure to keep an eye out for family and friends who are more susceptible to the heat, like young children, older people or those with health conditions.