Hot weather

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Staying safe in hot weather

Here are some tips to keep you and your loved ones safe if the temperatures soar during summer months.

Outside

• Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when UV rays are strongest.
• Take water with you if you have to go out. Apply sunscreen before you leave and wear a wide-brimmed hat – and try to walk in shady areas.
• On car journeys, make sure babies, children, older or sick people aren’t left alone in parked cars as these can heat up very quickly. This also applies to pets.

Inside

• Keep your home or office cool by closing curtains or shutters on rooms that face the sun.
• Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate more heat.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.

Generally, try to do as little as possible, particularly during the hottest parts of the day. Learn how to spot the signs of dehydration or heatstroke – and please remember to check on older people or sick neighbours, family or friends every day.

For more information on staying safe in the heat, click here.

Using your balcony safely when it's hot

When it’s hot outside, we open our windows and doors more frequently. However, please remember about the dangers this can bring for young children living above the ground floor.

If you have a balcony, keep the door locked when you are not using it.

Please also consider installing a child-proof gate that you can keep locked when you are not in the room and don’t want to lock the balcony door. You must never allow young children access to a balcony when an adult cannot be present.

We would also like to remind residents that barbecues are not permitted on balconies. They pose a serious fire risk as falling embers could set light to balconies below you or even injure people below.

You can read more about balcony fire safety here.