Keeping safe and well during hot and stormy weather
We have some handy tips to share which will help you stay safe and cool this summer.
As these hot temperatures continue, we wanted to share some handy tips to help you stay safe and cool this summer.
Although it is nice to enjoy this weather, some of us can be especially vulnerable to the heat, such as children and older people who are at higher risk of dehydration, heatstroke and exhaustion.
We also know that there are increased fire safety risks during this season. That’s why we are sharing advice from Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service to help you stay fire safe during this season.
Please see below our list of helpful tips and resources that everyone can use to stay safe and have fun in the sun.
In hot weather it’s a good idea to:
- Avoid being out in the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am and 3pm) and plan your day to avoid heavy activity during extreme heat.
- If you are out and about during the hot weather, be as prepared as possible making sure you have everything you will need with you, such as a bottle of water, sun cream and a hat.
- When out in the heat, walk in the shade, keep suntan lotion topped up and make sure clothing is light.
- Dress for the weather - wear lightweight clothes that are loose-fitting and light coloured. At home wear as little clothing as you need to keep cool.
- Drink lots and avoid alcohol - staying hydrated is really important during spells of hot weather, as becoming dehydrated can lead you to suffer from heat exhaustion.
- Keep your home cool - you can do this by opening your windows, turning off lights, using blinds and curtains to block the sun and keeping bowls of ice-cold water in rooms around your house.
You may have seen that weather forecasts are also predicting thunderstorms across Manchester this week; you can find some top tips for staying safe in a storm below
To stay safe in a storm it’s a good idea to:
- Stay indoors as much as possible and keep doors and windows closed.
- If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees.
- Tie down any loose objects in your garden.
Some people can struggle from heat exhaustion during warmer weather. We've collated a list of some of the signs to look out for if someone is suffering from heat exhaustion.
The signs of heat exhaustion include:
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Feeling sick or being sick
- Excessive sweating and skin becoming pale and clammy or getting a heat rash, but a change in skin colour can be harder to see on brown and black skin
- Cramps in the arms, legs and stomach
- Fast breathing or heartbeat
- A high temperature
- Being very thirsty
- Weakness
It’s important to note that the symptoms of heat exhaustion are often the same in adults and children, although children may become irritable too.
If someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion they need to be cooled down and given fluids straight away. Those suffering from heat exhaustion, don’t usually need emergency medical help, if you are able to cool down within 30 minutes. However, If it turns into heatstroke, it needs to be treated as an emergency.
Find out more about heat exhaustion and heatstroke here: Heat exhaustion and heatstroke - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
- Make sure your barbecue is on a safe, flat surface and well away from fences, plants, garden furniture and other flammable items.
- Only use Barbecue Lighter Fuel or Firelighters to start your barbeque, NEVER use petrol, paraffin or other flammable liquids. Once your barbecue is lit, NEVER add more liquid fuel.
- Keep children and pets well away from your barbeque.
- Keep a bucket of water nearby in case of accidents/emergency. When you have finished cooking with your barbecue, always extinguish the coals using water.
Further barbeque safety guidance: Barbeque Safety Advice – Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
As flats are generally hotter than houses, we appreciate our customers living in flats will be struggling with high temperatures this summer.
Following our top tips for keeping your home cool will help customers to keep temperatures down.
Please remember however, no matter how hot your flat is;
- Don’t BBQ or discard of cigarettes butts on your balcony.
- Don’t wedge fire doors open in the building.
- Don’t overload electrical sockets.
Further balcony safety guidance: Balcony Safety Advice - Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
Taking a dip in swimming pools, the sea and lakes can be a great way to cool off when temperatures are high. However, during hot weather, this can be very dangerous and cause Cold Water Shock.
Ensure you stay safe this summer by never jumping into or swimming in open water (including reservoirs, rivers, canals and ponds). Cold Water Shock can kill in 60 seconds, you never know what's lurking beneath the surface, and under-water currents can be deadly.
Further water safety guidance: Water Safety Advice – Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
