Stay safe in the heat.
With the school holidays getting off to a sweltering start, and forecasters predicting temperatures rising to as high as 31°c this week, Hampshire residents are urged to follow some simple advice to stay safe and well in the heat. This is particularly important for those in the high risk groups such as babies, small children, the elderly and anyone living with a chronic condition. Advice: Stay out of the heat: • Keep out of the sun between 11.00am and 3.00pm • If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf • Avoid extreme physical exertion • Wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes Cool yourself down: • Have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks. • Eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content • Take a cool shower, bath or body wash • Sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck Keep your environment cool: • Keep windows closed that are exposed to the sun during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped • Close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun • Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat With the hot weather likely to continue, parents and carers are also urged to be extra careful with babies and children near water this summer - very young and small children can drown even in shallow water. There are a number of steps to reduce risk and accidents around paddling pools, ponds, swimming pools and hot tubs, including: • Make sure your child is supervised at all times in or around water • Make sure there is a fence around any garden pools or ponds • Don’t leave toys in paddling and swimming pools • Don’t expect an older child to be responsible for the safety of younger siblings • Make sure paddling pools are emptied and turned upside down when not in use • Satisfy yourself that your child is not out of their depth when in water