Following the first Red extreme heat warning in July 2022, we are now facing another heatwave this week, with the Met Office issuing an Amber extreme heat warning from Thursday 11 August until Sunday 14 August. With this warning covering parts of the South West, we wanted to provide some information to help you stay safe and healthy.
Take a look at the information below to help you stay safe, as well as some useful advice to avoid heat related accidents in and around your home.
Health advice during extreme heat
An Amber extreme heat warning means the health of vulnerable people could be impacted.
Some ways you can look after yourself and others include:
- Staying hydrated and avoiding excess alcohol.
- Keeping out of the sun during 11am-3pm, which is when UV rays are at their strongest. If you are going outside, make use of cooler spaces and avoid physical exertion particularly in the hottest parts of the day.
- Closing the curtains in rooms where the sun shines directly on them – this keeps rooms cool.
- Checking in on vulnerable people, including the elderly, children and those with health conditions.
- Never leaving anyone in a parked car, especially children and pets.
- Staying up to date with the latest weather forecast and advice.
If you need non-emergency health advice you should call 111, or 999 if it is an emergency.
Fire risks in extreme heat
Extreme heat can increase the risks of fires starting and spreading quickly, so it’s important you take steps to ensure the safety of yourself and your home.
Here are some tips for how you can reduce the risks of fires starting during hot weather:
- Ensure that flammables in your home are stored safely, as these can cause incredibly dangerous fires or explosions. Read more about safely storing flammables at home.
- Keep reflective materials out of sunlight, such as outside glass tables, as these can lead to serious fires starting in your home.
- Many use fans to keep themselves cool in hot weather. Fans used excessively can overheat and risk catching fire. Avoid leaving a fan on unattended, and do not use it if it is damaged or you have concerns about it.
- Bonfires or other types of outside fire should be avoided, as these can quickly get out of control, particularly with grass and vegetation being particularly dry.
- Barbecues are popular in hot, sunny weather, however they can pose potential fire risks. Visit our barbecue safety webpage to find out more.
For more information on safety, please visit the Your safety section of our website.