heatwave – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

Heatwave Hacks: Keeping your home cool on a budget

With temperatures set to soar to 30 degrees in parts of the UK this week, many Brits may find themselves tempted to splurge on household items to help keep them cool.

But keeping temperatures down at home can be expensive. Some hot weather tips are great for lowering the heat, but they can cause your costs to rise.

To help you to save whilst keeping cool this summer, consumer finance expert, Paul Wilson, has shared his top tips on heatwave hacks which can save us up to £177 a month.

Avoid portable air conditioning units – save £90

“Homes in the UK tend to be poorly prepared for heatwaves, so when the temperatures start to soar, it can be tempting to spontaneously splurge on the latest cooling gadget or device.”

“Whilst portable air conditioning units sound like a great idea in theory, in principle they can eat through your money and wrack up heavy costs on your energy bills. Our research shows that portable air conditioning units cost around 38p per hour. Based on the average run time of four hours, 18 mins during the day and four hours, 48 mins at night, this could add £24 per week onto your energy bill, if not more.”
“According to Uswitch, running an standard electric fan will cost only £1.64 per week, which means running air conditioning would cost you over 14x more for the same effect!”

Opt for cotton sheets – save £7

“There’s nothing worse than being kept awake all night due to the heat. Rather than buying satin sheets, opt for white cotton sheets. The light and breathable material will enable you to sleep much easier during a heatwave. They come at the fraction of the cost of satin sheets which retail around £18. If you’re thinking of purchasing sheets for a double-bed, from a large online retailer, you could save as much as £7 by choosing the cotton option over satin.”

Ditch branded summer toiletries – save £7

“Suncream is an essential summer toiletry, especially when the temperatures are set to hit highs of 30 degrees. But instead of splurging on summer sun essentials, ditch the household brands and choose supermarket branded items instead.”

“They’re just as safe and are often more than half the price of the branded alternative. For instance, you could get your hands on a budget-friendly suncream for £3.90 instead of a household name brand that retails at £7.”

“For those that suffer from Hayfever, try swapping out your usual branded packet of tablets for a generic branded packet to save half of the price.”

Take a cold shower – save £2

“Jumping in the shower is a great way to cool off instantly when the temperature climbs, but make sure you’re being efficient with your water usage. Reduce the number of baths you are taking and opt for a short, cold shower with a water-efficient shower head.”

“This saves you the cost of heating water and reduces steam which would make your bathroom hotter – which is the last thing you want in a heatwave. If you swapped a daily bath to a short four minute shower, you could save £24.82 over the course of a year.”

Swap coffee for flavoured water – save £27

“It can be tricky to stay productive when you’re trying to work in a stuffy office or at home during a heatwave, especially when you’ve had a bad night’s sleep thanks to soaring temperatures. So, it’s a natural urge for many of us to want to reach for a cup of coffee for a caffeine boost in the morning.”

“But caffeine can actually make you feel hotter in a heatwave, as it can make you feel jittery, and this can have a knock-on effect on your productivity. Instead, try swapping your takeaway coffees, from a popular high street chain, for large bottles of water. Keeping hydrated in a heatwave is crucial, as your body sweats more to keep itself cool. Plus, your wallet will thank you later, as you could easily save £6 each week by swapping your coffees for flavoured water.”

Turn appliances off when you’re not using them – save £36

“When the heatwave hits, the last thing any of us want to do is generate more heat indoors. But did you know that electrical appliances generate heat whilst they’re in standby mode? Not only does this create more heat in your home, but it also adds extra costs to your utility bills.”

“The average UK household wastes around 30% of their energy usage, adding up to a huge £429 on an annual electricity bill. Appliances like TV’s generate heat when they are left on standby, so make sure you switch everything off if it’s not being used.”

Air dry clothes – save £8

“Hot weather is the perfect condition for air drying clothes and getting on top of that dreaded laundry pile. Check what rating your tumble dryer is, so that you can make some quick savings. For instance, a ‘C’ rated dryer costs over £100 a year to run, meaning that you can easily cut costs over the summer months simply by letting clothes air dry in the garden or well ventilated rooms in your home.”

“As with any cost-saving plans, the key is convenience when figuring out if you can stick to a cost-saving technique or not. Lockdown has been tough on all of us and the heatwave offers Brits a great chance to get out and about and make the most of restrictions lifting. Hopefully these tips will offer options on how to keep costs down and stay cool, whilst still being able to make the most of the great weather.”

Paul Wilson is a Consumer Finance Expert at Financial Conduct Authority authorised and regulated credit broker CashLady.com.

Tech experts reveal how to stop your phone from overheating

With the UK facing the hottest temperatures on record this week, many of us will be wondering how to protect our tech items from overheating and facing long lasting damage.

Experts at VPNOverview.com reveal the best ways to keep your phone and other devices cool in this weather:

Remove your phone case

Keeping your phone in a case is a great way to protect it from damage, however, a case can be a form of insulation and will keep in any heat from your phone, increasing the risk of your phone overheating. Taking your phone case off will let heat dissipate quickly and keep your phone cooler. Naturally, phone cases are important in the way of protection to your phone, but even taking it off for a few minutes in a safe environment can do your phone the world of good.

Take your phone out of your pocket

Whilst it can be useful to keep your phone in your pocket, pockets are small spaces and they end up pressing your phone to your skin, meaning your phone will take in a lot of your body heat. If you don’t have a bag to keep your phone in when you’re on the go, a looser pocket such as an oversized shirt pocket can also be a good place to keep your phone.

Change your phone’s settings

There are a few changes you can make in your phones settings that can reduce the battery and energy that your phone is using and subsequently keep your phone cool. Firstly, you should turn off any data settings when you don’t need it, or even go one step further and put your phone on airplane mode when you’re not using it. This can save your phones battery which is closely linked to your phone’s temperature. Another setting you can change is your phones brightness. Turning down the brightness will reduce the amount of battery being used and subsequently lessening how much your phone heats up.

Don’t overuse your phone

There are apps and software’s, particularly gaming apps and video apps that can use up a lot of battery on your phone and can warm up your phone. If you’re already in hot weather, it would be wise to avoid using these apps unless absolutely necessary – even if that means finding shade or a cooler spot to use your phone, it will make a big difference to your phone’s temperature.

Keep your phone out of the sun

It may seem obvious but preventing your phone from overheating is far easier than repairing your phone from overheating. Simple things such as keeping your phone in a cooler room or in the shade can go a long way in terms of protecting your phone, so next time you’re out and about, be conscious of where you’re leaving your phone and make sure it’s in a shady or cool spot.

Fossil fuels driving extreme heat and climate breakdown

Environmental campaigners have commented on the extreme weather conditions in the UK.

Friends of the Earth Scotland Head of Campaigns Mary Church said: “The extreme heat we are experiencing in Scotland, throughout the UK and Europe is one of the many frightening faces of climate change.

“We must be absolutely clear that the impacts of this heatwave on people’s health and wellbeing, on the NHS, on public transport, on the economy are the result of the continued burning of fossil fuels. Climate breakdown is here, it is deadly serious and it will get much worse unless we act urgently to end our reliance on oil and gas.

“The immediate focus should be ensuring that people are kept cool and safe through this period of record-breaking heat. But once it passes, politicians must get serious about stopping the causes of the crisis and about adapting to the increasingly extreme climate impacts that are already locked in due to our leaders’ inadequate action to date.

“Burning fossil fuels is the primary driver of climate breakdown so we must rapidly phase out North Sea oil and gas production, as part of a just transition to a renewable-powered economy with decent green jobs and affordable energy for all.

“The time for rhetorical climate leadership is long past – we need action not words and we need it now.”

Scottish Govt: caution advised in extreme heat

Amber weather warning resilience arrangements remain in place in Scotland today.

People are being asked to consider whether they need to travel and to plan ahead before making any journeys as Scotland copes with the impact of extreme heat.

Justice Secretary and lead minister for resilience Keith Brown has chaired a Scottish Government Resilience Committee meeting (SGoRR) to monitor the impacts of the Met Office Amber warning, while Transport Scotland’s resilience room is closely monitoring impacts across the transport network

The Amber warning has been extended further northeast and now includes Dundee, Edinburgh, the Lothians, Fife, Perth, Clackmannanshire, Falkirk and eastern parts of Lanarkshire as well as the Scottish Borders and Dumfries and Galloway. The warning is currently in force and will last until 23.59 on Tuesday 19 July.

Mr Brown also attended the latest Cabinet Office Briefing Room (COBR) meeting.

He said: “Following the weather warnings, our resilience arrangements have been activated. We are receiving regular updates from partners including Transport Scotland, the Met Office, the NHS and emergency services and we’ll continue to closely monitor developments.

“I would urge people to think about whether they need to travel and if they do, make sure they’re properly equipped, and plan their journey in advance. Rail passengers and drivers should make sure they have water, sunscreen, hats and sunglasses and have a fully charged phone in case of any difficulties. Any drivers who face breakdowns should seek a safe, shady place, and stay hydrated.

“When temperatures increase, it’s important to monitor forecasts and follow public health advice, including staying hydrated and drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding excess alcohol. People should also look out for vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, as older people, those with underlying conditions and those living alone may struggle to keep cool and hydrated.

“Water safety incidents and drownings increase in hot weather and it’s vital that people are aware of the dangers and use supervised beaches and pools when possible – follow the Water Safety Code and in an emergency call 999. People should also be aware of the dangers of wildfires.”

TUC: Urgent heatwave warning to union reps and workers

With the Met Office issuing its first “Red Extreme” and “danger to life” heat warning for Monday (18) and Tuesday (19), and temperatures in some places reaching 40°C, the TUC is calling on bosses to make sure workers are protected from the sun and the heat.

Workers should be aware that employers have a duty of care, and a legal obligation to protect their health, ensuring working temperatures are reasonable, comfortable and safe.

These temperatures present a serious risk of sunstroke, heat stress and sunburn. Working in hot weather can also lead to dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, rashes, fainting, and – in the most extreme cases – loss of consciousness.

If a colleague becomes confused or agitated, loses consciousness, or is unable to drink, seek urgent medical attention.

Outdoor work

Employers must work with union health and safety reps to introduce measures to protect their staff who work outdoors when the temperatures rise, including:

Avoiding outside tasks between 11am – 3pm when temperatures, and risks, are highest.
Provide sunscreen and advice on the need for protection, available in other languages for migrant workers where relevant.
Allow staff to take plenty of breaks and provide a supply of drinking water.
Provide canopies or covering over open areas and shaded areas for breaks.
Provide lightweight protective clothing, including hats.

Driving

The heat can be dangerous for workers whose jobs involve driving, as any driver suffering from fatigue is a risk to themselves and other people. vehicles used for long journeys should be temporarily taken out of use if they cannot sustain a reasonable temperature, e.g. they do not have air conditioning.

Indoor work

Indoor workplaces could also become dangerously hot, and TUC advice is that nobody should be working indoors where temperatures exceed 30°C. At 24°C employers must take action to cool the air, and other measures including:

Using fans or other mechanisms to cool the air, as well as adequate ventilation.
Relaxing dress codes and uniform policies.
Allowing rest breaks and adjusting shifts to avoid travelling in peak heat.
Moving workspaces away from windows and other heat sources, using blinds to block out sun.
Providing cool drinking water.

Maximum temperatures

Employers must ensure working temperatures are “reasonable”. The TUC believes employers must take action when indoor temperatures exceed 24°C, with 30°C being an absolute maximum – certainly no longer “reasonable”.

Guidance elsewhere states:

In the US regulations say working temperatures should not go beyond 24°C
Spain has strict guidelines on working temperature: it must not go beyond 27°C indoors or 25°C for physical activity.
In Germany, 26°C is generally considered the maximum for indoor work.
In China, when temperatures reach 37°C outdoor work is banned during the hottest three hours of the day, and at 40°C it must stop altogether.
In the UAE, outdoor work is banned entirely between the hours of 12:30 and 15:00 when it’s hottest.

SPF is PPE

Personal Protective Equipment is defined as “all equipment which is intended to be worn or held by a person at work and which protects him against one or more risks to his health or safety, and any addition or accessory designed to meet that objective.”

Sunburn and complications resulting from UVA radiation are a known risk to health, and outdoor workers are already three times more likely to develop skin cancer than the general working population. Sunscreen creates a barrier between the worker and the risk, and as such should be considered personal protective equipment.

Employers should provide sunscreen with a factor of at least 30, made available free of charge to all workers whose work involves outdoor activities.

Excuses such as allergies should be dismissed. Workers can be allergic to any number of ingredients, fabrics or materials used in equipment, for example hand sanitsier.

Refusal by a worker to wear PPE on that basis is valid. Refusal by the employer to supply it to the wider workforce is not.

The right to refuse

Section 44 of the Employment Rights Act 1996 provides workers protection from detriment (i.e. dismissal, disciplinary or a pay cut) if they withdraw from and to refuse to return to a workplace that is unsafe.

Workers are entitled to remain away from the workplace if – in their opinion – the prevailing circumstances represent a real risk of “serious and imminent danger” which they could not be expected to avert.

The TUC says workers should seek advice from their union before using their rights under Section 44.

Low-cost hot weather hacks to beat the summer heat

Boiling hot Brits are being given tips and tricks to keep themselves cool without splashing the cash.

As the weather begins to warm up, the penny pinching pro’s from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk have researched and revealed hot weather hacks to help Briton’s cope with warm temperatures.

Among the advice is freezing sheets and wearing wet socks at night to help you fall asleep in the hot weather.

Other tips include creating a homemade sprinkler using a plastic bottle and freezing aloe vera in an ice cube tray to help soothe sunburn.

John Stirzaker from NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “Nothing beats sunny days and warm evenings, but that doesn’t stop us Brits from complaining about how uncomfortable the heat can be.

“Luckily there are a number of low-cost hot weather hacks we can use to make the heat more bearable.

“From making homemade cooling mists to applying deodorant to your feet, these tips will help alleviate several common summer gripes.”

Here are NetVoucherCodes.co.uk’s top tips for keeping cool this summer:

Homemade cooling mist

Add a few drops of peppermint extract to a spray bottle of water, and when you’re feeling hot, mist yourself with it. The mint will make you feel extra cool as the water evaporates.

DIY sprinkler

If you don’t have a sprinkler attachment for your hose, attach an empty two litre plastic bottle to the end and poke some holes it in.

Create your own fan

Simply take a piece sheet of paper or a thick piece of card and fold it into a hand fan to keep you cool.

Freeze a bottle of water

Freezing your water bottle gives you the ideal constant stream of ice cold water that’ll keep you cool throughout the day, not to mention it also makes a great ice pack.

Aloe ice cubes

Aloe vera is great for soothing sunburn. You can go one step further by freezing aloe vera gel in an ice cube tray.

Deodorant… for your feet

When your feet get hot, they tend to slip around in your shoes. Prevent blisters by applying a thin layer of roll-on deodorant to reduce slippage.

Sun cream storage

Keep your SPF lotion in the fridge to feel refreshed and cool each time you apply it throughout the day. You can do this with day-to-day moisturisers and creams too.

Wet socks

When the heat really cranks up and nights become unbearable, place a towel at the bottom of your bed and slip on a pair of socks that you’ve soaked in cold water. Then, point a fan at your feet. This will help keep your body cool.

Freeze your sheets

Another tip to help you fall asleep on those humid nights: pop a few pillowcases in a sealed bag in the freezer and put them on your pillows ten minutes before you go to bed.

Shut out the sun

Keep blinds and curtains closed through hot days to shut out the sun and stop rooms from overheating.

Avoid the oven

Turning on your oven or stove during a sweltering day is asking for trouble, as the last thing you need is more heat in the house. Try preparing foods from the fridge to keep cool, like salads or sandwiches.

Homemade ice lollies

Easy, fun and a great way to keep your kids occupied, creating different flavoured ice pops is a terrific way to provide a quick burst of coolness on a hot day.

Take a warm shower

Taking a mildly warm shower gradually lowers your bodies’ temperature, making you feel cooler for longer.

Rinse your wrists

Run cool water on your wrists or ankles for an immediate cool down.

Experts reveal how to dress for work during a heatwave

The summer season is in full swing, and with temperatures set to reach new highs, it is important to know how to dress appropriately for the heat, but with many of us deciding to head into the office, knowing how to stay comfortable and cool on these warm days can be tricky.

Fashion experts at Karen Millen have revealed the best workwear items to have in your wardrobe that not only keep you cool during the summer months whilst also staying stylish in the office.

Shirt Dress

A shirt dress is one of the most simple but effective ways to incorporate comfort into your wardrobe whilst also being work appropriate. There are many types of shirt dresses available and make for a solid wardrobe staple with very little effort.

Collared shirt dresses are the clear-cut way to look smart while keeping cool, they look most professional when styled with a light tailored jacket, and they are complimentary to every body type.

Similarly, if a collar is too much for you to handle on a hot day and your dress code allows for a slightly more casual approach, it might be better to opt for a basic t-shirt dress. To spice up a basic t-shirt dress for work, you can pair it with a lightweight blazer which will elevate the piece for more formal work occasions such as meetings, or you can smarten it up by pairing it with a high-quality cardigan and some heels.

If you are afraid a shirt dress would be unflattering for your body shape, or you just want to accessorise the look, incorporating a belt is the most flattering way to define your waist and create a more fitted look. Belts are also a great way to add more of a dimension to your look and create a more put-together feel on the most casual dresses.

Lightweight Trench Coat

A lightweight trench coat is a perfect way to add a longer element to any outfit and can be a great way of transitioning from cooler mornings to warm afternoons. There are many trench coats on the market currently, and they are available in many fabrics. The most popular lightweight-style trench is typically conditioned with cotton, which allows for wear even on hot summer days meaning you don’t have to worry about carrying it around all day or feeling too hot in it.

An excellent tip for styling a trench coat is to ensure the hemline of your outfit underneath is shorter than the hemline of the trench; this allows for a more youthful and natural look.

If you are not sure what shoes to opt for when pairing a trench with your outfit, there are many options to choose from depending on your style preference:

Trainers/Sneakers: If you prioritise comfort and want to ensure you can be more active at any point during your day, this is your safest bet. The right trainers can be breathable and more pleasant for comfort, especially when working long hours.
Sandals: Despite many dress codes having a no open-toe policy, if you’re lucky enough to wear sandals, they can be a chic and enjoyable way to add that holiday feel to your workday. Not only will sandals keep your lower half cool, but they are also the perfect way to add colour to your look.

Linen

One of this summer’s most popular style materials is linen, so why not try incorporating it into your workwear? Linen is one of the most cooling fabrics available in every piece of clothing you need to stay breezy while working.

Shirt: A linen shirt is the perfect staple and is easy to pair with your favourite tailored trousers or tucked into a flowing skirt. You also have the option to wear it unbuttoned over a blouse or as a cover-up for your arms or shoulders when leaving for work in the morning or when popping out for after-work drinks later in the evening.
Trousers: Linen trousers are the easiest way to keep your lower half cool and comfortable during the summer. They are also available in many colours, so if the classic cream is too casual for your work, opt for a darker, more understated colour such as black or brown without having to compromise on comfort.
Dress: Linen dresses are the ultimate pieces when it comes to staying cool and looking put together. The breathable fabric will keep you cool all day and can be the perfect way to incorporate layers, even in the summer. Try styling a linen dress with a blazer to heighten the professional feel.

Shirt and Trouser Co-ord

It might seem like an obvious option, but a shirt and trouser co-ord can be greatly overlooked. The easiest way to stop the hassle of a what-to-wear breakdown before work is to opt for a co-ord as the outfit.

Many types of matching sets can be worn all year round, but in the summertime, it is a great option to try out lighter fabrics such as silk-blend fabrics, cotton and linen. A popular trend is to pair a matching shirt and trouser set with trainers for a casual, effortless look, so to elevate this for workwear, try adding some chunky jewellery and a pair of heels.

Although it might not be to everyone’s taste and can be seen to resemble sleepwear, many celebrities have been seen rocking this look and stepping out in these sets. For example, in 2018, Chrissy Teigen made headlines when stepping out in New York City in a red silk floral set which made fans lust over the bold statement causing many to follow suit. Four years later, this trend is still very much in fashion, so if a patterned pyjama set might cause too much chatter in the office, try a tailored co-ord set in a subtle colour or a structured set in a simple pattern and style up with heels.

Maxi Dress

A maxi dress is a staple in many workwear summer wardrobes as it is one of the most accessible and lightweight options to go for. There are many styles of the maxi dress, so the likelihood of finding a suitable one to follow any dress code is very easy.

A patterned maxi dress is a great way to introduce colours into your workwear, and a lot of the time doesn’t need a lot of styling or accessorising as the dress does all the talking. Shirt-style maxi dresses are also a fabulous way of smartening up the long dress and can be paired with trainers or sandals, depending on your style choice.

Another way to make your maxi dress more appropriate for a slightly stricter dress code is to pair it with a solid colour blazer; this will tie everything in and keep any casual maxi looking more professional and sophisticated for the office.

Seven heatwave hacks to save money on cooling your home

With temperatures set to soar to 30 degrees in parts of the UK this week, many people may find themselves tempted to splurge on household items to help keep them cool.

But keeping temperatures down at home can be expensive. Some hot weather tips are great for lowering the heat, but they can cause your costs to rise.

To help us to save whilst keeping cool this summer, consumer finance expert, Paul Wilson, has shared his top tips on heatwave hacks which can save up to £177 a month.

Avoid portable air conditioning units – save £90

“Homes in the UK tend to be poorly prepared for heatwaves, so when the temperatures start to soar, it can be tempting to spontaneously splurge on the latest cooling gadget or device.”

“Based on the average run time of four hours, 18 mins during the day and four hours, 48 mins at night, this could add £24 per week onto your energy bill, if not more.

“According to Uswitch, running an standard electric fan will cost only £1.64 per week, which means running air conditioning would cost you over 14x more for the same effect!”

Opt for cotton sheets – save £7

They come at the fraction of the cost of satin sheets which retail around £18. If you’re thinking of purchasing sheets for a double-bed, from a large online retailer, you could save as much as £7 by choosing the cotton option over satin.”

Ditch branded summer toiletries – save £7

Take a cold shower – save £2

Swap coffee for flavoured water – save £27

Keeping hydrated in a heatwave is crucial, as your body sweats more to keep itself cool. Plus, your wallet will thank you later, as you could easily save £6 each week by swapping your coffees for flavoured water.”

Turn appliances off when you’re not using them – save £36

Air dry clothes – save £8

Paul Wilson is a Consumer Finance Expert at Financial Conduct Authority authorised and regulated credit broker CashLady.com.

The weather hots up – but are you hot on water safety?

As the heatwave sweeping across the UK continues, the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) fears that many people will head to waterways in a bid to cool off from the 30+ degrees reported to hit some regions this week.

A 16-year-old boy tragically lost his life to drowning in Lancashire over the weekend and the charity is urging people to ensure enjoying the water is fun and not fatal.

Lee Heard, Charity Director at RLSS UK said: “Every year during the summer we see a sharp rise in the number of accidental drownings in the UK as many people look to cool off on hot summer days like we are experiencing currently.

“I deeply regret to say we have already seen a number of drownings already in the past few weeks as the temperatures have soared.

“It is vital to ensure that everyone has an understanding of water safety and makes it their responsibility to educate their family and friends on how water can be enjoyed safely to prevent such tragedies. In July 2021, there were 49 accidental drowning fatalities in the space of just two weeks in the UK.

“We want to help families enjoy water safely with our summer water safety information. We truly believe that people can be equipped with the right knowledge around water safety, and as a result we won’t need to see the fatalities we currently are seeing with accidental drownings.”

The Royal Life Saving Society UK has some simple and easy to follow tips on its website and social media channels to help keep families safe this summer, including their five summer water safety tips:

Look out for Lifeguards
If you’re looking for a place to cool off, always find a lifeguarded swimming site.
It’s colder than it looks
Water at open and inland sites is often much colder than it looks, cold water can affect your ability to swim and self-rescue.
Don’t go too far
Always swim parallel to the shore, that way you’re never too far away from it.
It’s stronger than it looks
Currents in the water can be very strong. If you find yourself caught in a current – don’t swim against it – you’ll tire yourself out. Stay calm, swim with the current and call for help.
Bring a friend
Always bring a friend when you go swimming so if anything goes wrong, you’ve got someone there to help.

Lee continued: “We often see people trying to cool off in lakes, quarries, rivers and other waterways when we experience extremely warm weather like this week brings, and many of these people do not have the experience of swimming in these waters and that is where we see people getting into trouble.

“As a result we then see others trying to help those in difficulty by going into the water themselves to attempt a rescue which can have fatal consequences.

“ If you or someone else finds themselves in difficulty in the water, it’s vital to remember the Water Safety Code:

whenever you are around water you should stop and think to assess your surroundings and look for any dangers;

stay together when around water and always go with family and friends;

in an emergency call 999 and ask for the Fire and Rescue service when inland and the Coastguard if at the coast;

and finally float to live, if you fall in or become tired, stay calm, float on your back and call for help, or if you see someone in the water, throw something that floats to them and resist temptation to go in.”

For further water safety information visit the RLSS UK website – www.rlss.org.uk.

Met Office: Tips for keeping cool in hot weather

Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot for too long, there are health risks.

In England, there are on average 2000 heat-related deaths every year. If hot weather hits this summer, make sure it does not harm you or anyone you know. The heat can affect anyone, but some people are at greater risk from it.

For some people – especially older people and those with underlying health conditions, as well as those who can’t adapt their behaviour to keep cool or who are exposed to high levels of heat because of where they live or work – the summer heat can bring real health risks. As our climate changes, hot spells are expected to be more frequent and more intense.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, it is especially important that you know what actions to take to keep yourself and others safe from high temperatures.

Why is a heatwave a problem?

The main health risks posed by a heatwave are:

Not having enough water (dehydration).
Overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing.
Heat exhaustion and heatstroke, which are potentially serious conditions that can occur if you get too hot.

Tips for coping in hot weather this summer:

Public Health England has published a number of resources outlining the risks of heat during COVID-19 and actions you can take to protect yourself and others. These include a ‘Beat the Heat: coping with heat and COVID-19’ leaflet and poster and a checklist to help keep your home cool, which are available on the Heatwave plan for England collection page. This also includes tips on how you can look out for others safely, whilst following guidance on COVID-19.

Watch out for signs of heat-related illness

If you or someone else feels unwell with a high temperature during hot weather or after physical exertion, you should stay alert to the possibility of heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

Find out more about the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and when to get help.

The top ways to stay safe when the heat arrives are to:

Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
If you live alone, ask a relative or friend to phone to check that you are not having difficulties during periods of extreme heat.
Stay cool indoors: some of us will spend more time at home this summer so know how to keep your home cool.
Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
If going outdoors, use cool spaces considerately, keep your distance in line with social distancing guidelines.
Follow COVID-19 social distancing guidance and wash your hands regularly.
Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals.
Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
Walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat.
Avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day.
Make sure you take water with you, if you are travelling.
Check the latest weather forecast and temperature warnings – you can find these on TV, radio, mobile app or website.
During warm weather going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief, take care and follow local safety advice, if you are going into open water to cool down.
Remember that while COVID-19 restrictions are in place, you will need to follow any additional government guidance to use public spaces safely.

If you have concerns about an uncomfortably hot house that’s affecting your health or someone else’s, get medical advice.
You can also get help from the environmental health office at your local authority. They, or an approved local provider, can inspect a home for hazards to health, including excess heat. Find your local authority here.

In addition, Age UK offers a range of free information and advice designed to help older people live well during the summer months and protect themselves when the temperature rises. For more information visit Age UK‘s website.

TUC calls on employers to keep their staff safe as temperatures set to soar

Met Office issues extreme heat weather warning for the first time

Forecasters warn temperatures will continue to climb and could reach 33 degrees C (91.4F) in some parts of the country

TUC calls on employers to make sure staff are protected from the sun and heat

The TUC has urged employers to make sure their staff are protected from the sun and heat, as the Met Office issues one of its new-style extreme amber heat weather warnings for the first time.

The amber warning covers parts of Wales, all of south-west England and parts of southern and central England and will be in place until Thursday (22 July), when temperatures are expected to peak.

Health warning

Working in hot weather can lead to dehydration, tiredness, muscle cramps, rashes, fainting, and – in the most extreme cases – loss of consciousness.

The TUC says employers can help their workers by:

Allowing flexible working: Giving staff the chance to come in earlier or stay later will let them avoid the stifling and unpleasant conditions of the rush hour commute. Bosses should also consider enabling staff to work from home while it is hot.
Keeping workplace buildings cool: Workplaces can be kept cooler and more bearable by taking simple steps such as opening windows, using fans, moving staff away from windows or sources of heat, or installing ventilation or air-cooling.
Temporarily relaxing their workplace dress codes: Encouraging staff to work in more casual clothing than normal – leaving the jackets and ties at home – will help them keep cool.
Keeping staff comfortable: Allowing staff to take frequent breaks and providing a supply of cold drinks will all help keep workers cool.
Talking and listening to staff and their union: Staff will have their own ideas about how best to cope with the excessive heat.

Sensible hours and shaded areas for outdoor workers: Outside tasks should be scheduled for early morning and late afternoon, not between 11am-3pm when temperatures are highest. Bosses should provide canopies/shades where possible.
Sun protection: Prolonged sun exposure can be dangerous for outdoor workers, so employers should make sun protection available.

The law

There’s no law for minimum or maximum working temperatures. However, during working hours the temperature in all indoor workplaces must be ‘reasonable’.

Guidance suggests a minimum of 16degC, or 13degC if employees are doing physical work. And employers have a duty to keep the temperature at a comfortable level and provide clean and fresh air.

The TUC would like to see a change in the law so that employers must attempt to reduce temperatures if they get above 24degC and workers feel uncomfortable. And employers should also be obliged to provide sun protection and water for outdoor workers.

The TUC would also like ministers to introduce a new maximum indoor temperature, set at 30degC – or 27degC for those doing strenuous jobs.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said: “We all love the summer sun. But working in sweltering conditions in a baking shop or stifling office can be unbearable and dangerous.

“Indoor workplaces should be kept cool, with relaxed dress codes and flexible working to make use of the coolest hours of the day.

“And bosses must make sure outdoor workers are protected with regular breaks, lots of fluids, plenty of sunscreen and the right protective clothing.”

The TUC is also asking employers to consider additional needs that may arise in hot weather from coronavirus health and safety requirements. Frances O’Grady added:

“It’s even more important to use PPE safely in this hot weather. Staff will need extra breaks to cool down if their equipment reduces ventilation.

“And while many offices have air conditioning, few people have it in their homes. Lots of staff are still working from home, so they may struggle to work during the hottest parts of the day. Employers should allow flexible hours so people can work when it’s cooler.”