When the sunshine arrives, most of us are eager to make the most of it. Long, bright days are one of the highlights of summer, especially after months of cooler weather. However, prolonged periods of high temperatures can present real health risks, particularly for older people, babies and young children, and people with existing health conditions.
As temperatures rise across Eastbourne and East Sussex, a little preparation can make a big difference. From staying hydrated and avoiding the hottest part of the day to keeping your home cooler, here are some practical ways to stay safe and comfortable during a heatwave.
The sun is usually at its strongest between 11am and 3pm. If possible, plan outdoor activities for the morning or later in the afternoon when temperatures are lower.
If you need to be outside:
If you are planning exercise, gardening or walking the dog, choosing the cooler parts of the day can make a considerable difference.
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do during hot weather.
Try to:
It is better to drink regularly rather than waiting until you feel particularly thirsty.
Homes can quickly become uncomfortably warm during prolonged hot weather, particularly rooms that receive direct sunlight for much of the day.
There are several simple things you can do to reduce the amount of heat building up indoors:
It is particularly important to monitor rooms used by older people, babies, young children and anyone whose health makes them more vulnerable to high temperatures.
If your home regularly becomes uncomfortably hot during the summer, there may also be longer-term improvements worth considering.
Blinds and suitable window coverings can reduce direct sunlight entering a room, while improvements to glazing, insulation and ventilation can all affect how easily temperatures can be controlled.
Air conditioning is another option and has become increasingly practical for UK homes. Modern systems can cool individual rooms during hot weather, and many use heat pump technology to provide heating as well as cooling, making them useful throughout the year rather than only during a heatwave.
Bedrooms, conservatories, home offices and rooms with large areas of glazing can be particularly difficult to keep comfortable during prolonged periods of heat.
If hot weather has highlighted improvements you would like to make to your property, you can find recommended local businesses offering Home Improvements in Eastbourne.
Some medicines can be affected by high temperatures, while certain medications and health conditions can also make people more vulnerable to the effects of heat.
Always follow the storage instructions supplied with your medication. If you are unsure about storing medicines during very hot weather, speak to your pharmacist or GP.
Continue taking prescribed medication unless a healthcare professional advises you otherwise.
Anyone living with a long-term health condition should take particular care during prolonged hot weather and seek medical advice if they become unwell.
It is useful to recognise when someone may be becoming unwell because of the heat.
Signs of heat exhaustion can include:
Someone showing signs of heat exhaustion should be moved somewhere cool, given fluids and helped to cool down.
Heatstroke is more serious and requires emergency medical help. Warning signs can include confusion, very hot skin, fast breathing, a fast heartbeat, seizures or loss of consciousness.
If someone remains unwell after being cooled down and given fluids, or shows signs of heatstroke, seek urgent medical help.
Heatwaves can affect everyone differently.
A quick phone call, message or visit to a neighbour, friend or relative can make a significant difference, particularly for older people, people living alone and those with long-term health conditions.
Check that they have enough to drink, that their home is not becoming excessively hot and that they are coping comfortably.
Sometimes simply opening or closing blinds, moving into a cooler room or helping someone get essential supplies can make hot weather much easier to manage.
Warm summer weather is something many of us look forward to, and sensible preparation means we can enjoy it more safely.
Drink regularly, avoid prolonged exposure during the hottest part of the day, keep your home as cool as possible and look out for anyone who may need a little extra help.
And if a heatwave exposes just how difficult your property is to keep comfortable, it may also be a useful prompt to consider improvements that can make your home better prepared for both hot and cold weather in the future.
Looking for trusted local businesses to help with your home?
Browse the Home & Garden Directory for local businesses covering a wide range of home and garden services.
You can also explore the Property Services Directory, Tradesmen Directory or browse the wider Eastbourne Business Guide.
