Hot temperatures are becoming more common and can cause you harm.
Lots of sunshine might be some people’s idea of heaven. But heat can cause dehydration, heatstroke, and heat exhaustion and damage your health. Avoiding health issues like these is important for your wellbeing. That is why you should prepare for hot temperatures and take care of yourself, your loved ones, and your pets.
Climate change is making each summer hotter in Lancashire. In July 2022, temperatures in England went above 40°C for the first time. Peak temperatures are likely to continue rising, so it makes sense to know what to do in a heatwave. The best time to prepare is before hot weather hits.
High temperatures affect public health and increase the risk of some incidents. This includes wildfires, garden fires, and vehicle fires. These incidents can put pressures on health services and fire and rescue services.
Anyone can suffer from dehydration, heatstroke, or heat exhaustion. But some people are particularly at risk. People at highest risk include:
Babies and toddlers.
Young children.
Elderly people.
Pregnant women.
Those with existing health problems.
If you are in one of these categories, make sure you know how to protect yourself during a heatwave.
Here are some things you can do before a heatwave is forecast:
Set up weather alerts so you know about high temperatures beforehand.
Keep your vehicle maintained; check your tyres, fluid levels, and air conditioning.
Keep bottles of water in your vehicle in case you get stranded.
Consider installing blinds or shutters on your windows.
Consider planting bushes, trees, or tall shrubs to give shade on your property.
Hot temperatures can also affect journey times, so keep an eye on the weather if you are planning a trip. This includes both the road and rail networks.
Taking the time to prepare can make a huge difference when hot weather strikes. You can check for weather warnings on the Met Office website so you know when you might be affected.
If temperatures are rising, you can take these steps to keep yourself safe:
Turn your heating off.
Drink plenty of fluids.
Avoid going out in the midday sun when it is hottest.
Close your curtains or blinds to keep the sun out.
If going out, wear a lots of sunscreen.
Wear a hat and light, loose-fitting clothes that cover your skin.
Use fans or air-conditioning units if these are available.
Open windows when the air is cooler. Keep them closed when it is hot.
Save outdoor exercise or dog walking until the evening when it is cooler.
Remember: vulnerable people are at higher risk of health problems due to heat. Why not check on your relatives and neighbours to make sure they are safe?
Many people enjoy the warmer weather and take the opportunity to spend more time outside. This might include cooking for your family on a barbecue.
The dangers of barbecues are well known, but it is well worth remembering our top safety tips:
Keep your barbecue away from children and pets.
Do not leave it unattended.
Extinguish all hot coals before putting them in the bin.
If you have a fire, call us immediately on 999.
An average of 307 UK and Irish citizens lose their lives every year to accidental drowning. Lancashire is not immune to water deaths, and it is vital that you recognise the dangers.
Before you go swimming to cool off, think about the location. Are there lifeguards? Could there be underwater machinery or currents? Is it too deep or too shallow?
Open water is always much colder than the air temperature, which can put you at risk of cold-water shock. If you do enter the water, do it in a gradual and controlled way.
If you see someone in trouble in the water, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard at sea and the fire service inland. Do not attempt to rescue them yourself.
If you get into difficulty yourself, stay calm and float on your back. Try hard to control your breathing. When you can, try to signal for help by shouting and splashing.
You can find more water safety advice on our website.
Wildfires are not only a problem in other countries. We get many wildfire incidents in Lancashire every year, and not only in the summer.
If you see a wildfire while out enjoying the sunshine, here is what to do:
Call 999 and report it.
Give the call operator as much information as you can.
Do not approach the fire – stay well clear.
Do not block access routes for emergency service vehicles.
Our wildfire safety page features more information.
Heatwaves can be dangerous, so we hope you've found this page useful. You can find more information about heat preparedness on the UK Government's Prepare website.
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