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Message to Hailsham Residents: Enjoy the Warm Weather Safely

Community

Image artwork of thermometer against hot sun background 

Hailsham Town Council is urging residents to take extra care when out and about and enjoy the warm weather safely, as temperatures throughout August reach exceptional highs.

“Although many of us welcome the summer sun, exceptionally high temperatures can be harmful to your health without the necessary precautions, with some more vulnerable residents being at greater risk of serious harm,” said Hailsham town councillor Mary Laxton. “The elderly and the very young are most vulnerable and, by taking a few straightforward precautions such as staying hydrated and finding shade during the hottest parts of the day, people can subsequently reduce the risk of becoming ill.”

“Furthermore, it goes without saying that we also ask residents where possible to check in on their vulnerable neighbours, families and friends.”

“We’d also like to encourage our residents to follow any safety advice to help prevent fire incidents from occurring and to be aware of the fire risk from disposable barbecues, cigarette ends and discarded glass – which are considerable fire risks to property and people during extended dry and warm spells.”

“In a nutshell, while we want people to make the most of the very warm weather forecast for much of this month, we also want people to enjoy it safely and to look out for those who may not be able to cope with the higher temperatures.”

The Government has issued advice on how to stay safe during spells of very warm or hot weather, including how to keep your home cool, who is at greatest risk of ill health from the heat, how to recognise when you or someone else’s health may be affected, and other useful information such as outdoor fire safety and fire prevention.

Looking after yourself

Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol

  • Drink plenty of fluids: water, lower fat milks and tea and coffee are good options
  • Look out for signs of dehydration such as increased thirst, a dry mouth, dark urine, and urinating infrequently or small amounts

Find somewhere cool

  • In preparation for warmer weather, use the Government’s simple checklist to find out if your home is at risk of overheating and what you can do if there is a problem
  • Shade or cover windows exposed to direct sunlight, external shutters or shades are very effective, while internal blinds or curtains are less effective but cheaper
  • Open windows when the air feels cooler outside than inside, for example, at night. Try to get air flowing through your home, if possible
  • Turn off lights and electrical equipment that aren’t in use
  • Use electric fans if the temperature is below 35°C, but do not aim the fan directly at the body and ensure you stay hydrated with regular drinks
  • Check that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly

Dress appropriately for the weather

  • If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade and wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light coloured cotton clothes
  • Wear suitable head wear, such as a wide-brimmed hat, to reduce exposure to the face, eyes, head and neck
  • Apply sunblock, or broad-spectrum sunscreens, with high sun protection factor (SPF) of at least SPF 15 with UVA protection regularly to exposed skin

Dealing with heatwaves while on medication

  • Get medical advice if you are suffering from a chronic medical condition or taking multiple medications
  • Make sure medicines are stored below 25°C or in the fridge (read the storage instructions on the packaging)
  • Carry on taking all prescribed medicines unless advised not to by a medical professional. But be aware that some prescription medicines can reduce your tolerance of heat

Listen to the weather forecast and the news

  • Knowing the forecast can help you plan ahead and adapt as necessary
  • Heatwaves may affect other services, such as power and water supplies, and transport
  • Air pollution can become worse during periods of hot weather

Plan ahead to avoid the heat

  • Avoid being out in the sun during the hottest part of the day (around midday) and plan your day to avoid heavy activity during extreme heat
  • Bring everything you will need with you, such as a bottle of water, sun cream and a hat
  • If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen, and wear a hat and light clothing
  • Be prepared, as heatwaves can affect transport services and you might need extra water

Looking out for others

Remember to think of those who may be more at risk from the effects during a heatwave, including:

  • older people, especially those over 75
  • babies and young children
  • people with a serious chronic condition, particularly dementia, heart, breathing or mobility problems
  • people on certain medications, including those that affect sweating and temperature control (for example, diuretics, antihistamines, beta-blockers and antipsychotics
  • people who are already ill and dehydrated (for example, from gastroenteritis)
  • people who are physically active (for example, soldiers, athletes, hikers and manual workers)

If you notice that someone has signs of heat related illness, you should:

  • get them to lie down in a cool place – such as a room with air conditioning or somewhere in the shade
  • remove any unnecessary clothing to expose as much of their skin as possible
  • cool their skin with cool water
  • fan their skin while it’s moist – this will help the water to evaporate, which will help their skin cool down
  • get them to drink fluids – these should ideally be water, lower fat milks, or a rehydration treatment
  • do not give them aspirin or paracetamol – this can put the body under more strain
  • stay with the person until they’re feeling better. Most people should start to recover within 30 minutes

Fire hazards and safety during a heatwave

  • Always have open fires in safe, designated areas. Any fires seen in the countryside or green spaces should be reported immediately by calling 999 and asking for the fire service
  • Don’t leave bottles, glass or reflective materials outside, as sunlight shining through them can start a fire
  • Never throw cigarette ends out of car windows or on the ground as they could also start a fire
  • If you are having a barbecue, make sure you place it well away from sheds, fences, trees, shrubs or garden waste and follow the safety instructions provided with disposable barbecues.
  • After cooking, make sure the barbecue is cool before moving it and be sure to empty the ashes onto bare garden soil, not into dustbins or wheelie bins

 Animal safety

More information

NHS Choices:

NHS 111 for free medical advice for any non-emergency 24 hours a day: call 111.

Heatwave information, including a checklist for identifying and managing indoor overheating

Met Office weather forecast and high temperature health warnings.

Red Cross emergency app has information and alerts.


Enquiries relating to this media release

Terry Hall, Communications Officer
Hailsham Town Council, Market Street, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2AE
Telephone: 01323 841702 | Email: terry.hall@hailsham-tc.gov.uk