Stay well in hot weather

Stay safe during hot weather by following these simple tips.

Stay cool and hydrated

  • drink plenty of water throughout the day
  • avoid drinking too much alcohol
  • stay out of direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when temperatures are at their highest
  • wear loose, light-coloured clothing, a hat and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher)
  • keep your home cool by closing curtains or blinds in sunny rooms
  • avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day
  • check on older neighbours, relatives and anyone who may be vulnerable

Looking after children and vulnerable people

Hot weather can affect some people more than others. This includes babies, young children, older people and those with long-term health conditions.

  • never leave children, vulnerable adults or pets in a parked vehicle
  • keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight
  • make sure children drink enough water and stay cool
  • ensure pushchairs and prams are shaded and well ventilated
  • check regularly on anyone who may struggle to stay cool or drink enough fluids

Know the signs of heat-related illness

Heat exhaustion

Symptoms can include:

  • dizziness
  • headaches
  • feeling weak or tired
  • nausea
  • intense thirst

If someone has heat exhaustion:

  • move them to a cool place
  • give them plenty of water to drink
  • help them cool down as quickly as possible

Contact NHS 111 if symptoms do not improve or you need urgent medical advice. 

Heatstroke 

Heatstroke is serious and can be life-threatening.

Symptoms can include:

  • a very high temperature
  • confusion
  • rapid breathing
  • seizures
  • loss of consciousness
  • hot skin that is not sweating. It may look red, although this can be harder to see on brown or black skin

Call 999 immediately if you think someone has heatstroke

 

Swimming and open water safety

Swimming is not permitted in any lakes in Redbridge.

Open water can be dangerous because of:

  • hidden currents
  • very cold temperatures
  • underwater hazards

Please take extra care around rivers, lakes and other open water during hot weather.

The London Fire Brigade has produced a video on open water dangers. 

Support for people sleeping rough

There is additional support available during the hot weather.

  • outreach teams are providing water, hats, sun cream and fresh fruit
  • a safe, cool place to rest is available during the day for people who need it
  • community Living Rooms and The Welcome Centre are open as cooling spaces
  • additional accommodation has been arranged for vulnerable residents who need overnight shelter at Ryedale Hostel

Concerned about someone sleeping rough?

If you're worried about someone sleeping rough in Redbridge, contact StreetLink so outreach teams can provide support as quickly as possible.

Park and fire safety

The London Fire Brigade has warned that wildfire risk can increase during periods of hot weather.

When visiting parks and open spaces:

  • take your rubbish home or use the bins provided
  • BBQs are not permitted in any Redbridge parks, including disposable ones
  • do not light fires or use naked flames outdoors
  • dispose of cigarettes safely

Waste and recycling collections

Collections will start earlier on Wednesday 29 July because of the hot weather.

Please place your bins at the boundary of your property by 5am on collection day. 

Weather health alerts

You can sign up to receive weather health alerts by email to stay informed about severe hot weather and other health-related weather warnings.

Help keep everyone safe

You can share this advice with friends, family and neighbours, especially anyone who may be more vulnerable during hot weather.

Together we can help keep our communities safe and well.

More information