Are you ready for summer?

When hot weather strikes it’s important to know how to best protect yourself and your loved ones.

When hot weather strikes it’s important to know how to best protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are our useful tips for staying cool this summer:
 

• Keep your home cool

Close your shades/blinds to avoid the blaring sun shining through and heating up the house. Light coloured curtains are also a good alternative as they do not absorb the heat.
 

• Avoid the heat

The hottest point of the day is between 11am-3pm, if you are vulnerable to heatwave conditions try to stay out the sun during these times.
 

• Keep your body temperature down

Have cool baths and showers and cool down with water, rest in the coolest part of the home.
 

• Stay hydrated

Drink cold water regularly to keep hydrated. Diluted fruit juice is also a good alternative but try to avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine.
 

• Stay alert

Keep an eye on the weather forecast and listen out for alerts on the radio, TV and even social media.
 

• Plan

If you have to go out, make sure you are prepared with food, water, sun cream and any medication you may require.
 

• Community

Check on relatives, friends or neighbours who may be more vulnerable in warm conditions.
 

• Appropriate clothing

Loose, light clothing is best for these conditions, be prepared with a hat and sunglasses for outdoors too.

Livewell NHS suggest if you’re worried about yourself or a vulnerable neighbour, friend or relative, to contact the local environmental health office at your local authority. Environmental health workers can visit a home to inspect it for hazards to health, including excess heat. Visit GOV.UK to find your local authority.
 
Always follow the advice of your GP. These tips do not replace any advice from your GP.