Hot weather set to continue advice to help residents stay safe

Dorset is experiencing another period of very hot weather, with temperatures expected to remain high over the coming days.

Hot weather can affect anyone's health, but older people, young children, people with long-term health conditions and those who live alone may be particularly at risk. Taking a few simple precautions can help keep you, your family and your neighbours safe.

During heatwaves, more people than usual get seriously ill or die. When hot weather hits, make sure it does not harm you or anyone you know.

The main health risks during hot weather include:

• not drinking enough water and becoming dehydrated. More information about this can be found on the NHS information dehydration webpage
• overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing
• Heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Information about the symptoms and what to do about them can be found on the NHS heat exhaustion and heatstroke webpages.

How to stay safe in hot weather

Keep out of the heat if you can. If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.

Cool yourself down. Have cold food and regular cold drinks. Drink plenty of water and other fluids. Try to avoid too much alcohol or drinks containing caffeine.

Keep your living space cool. Close windows, curtains and blinds during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help when indoor temperatures are below 35°C. Check the temperature of rooms, particularly where vulnerable people live or sleep, and check regularly on family members, friends and neighbours who may be at greater risk. For more information, visit Heat - GOV.UK

Water Safety

When temperatures rise, many people head to the coast, rivers or lakes to cool down. If you are planning to swim outdoors, follow these simple safety tips.

Check that the water you want to visit is classified as bathing waters. Many rivers are not classified as such and may cause illness due to water borne infections. Check for bathing water at Bathing water quality

Before you enter the water, assess the conditions. If the water is too rough for swimming, don’t get in. Know your limits – depending on the conditions, you may need to swim less or closer to the bank or shore. The temperature of the air and water is also important – the colder the water and air temperature, the quicker you will cool down. So, the colder it is, the less time you should spend in the water.

When swimming in open water, it's important to enter the water slowly and give your body time to adjust to the temperature. Never jump or dive straight in, as this could cause cold water shock. Details on this and other water safety tips can be found at RNLI Water Safety - The Dangers Of Cold Water Shock

If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Float to Live. Tilt your head back, relax and try to control your breathing until help arrives or you can reach safety. Details can be found at Float To Live – What To Do If You Fall In Water

Heath fires and countryside safety

When you are out and about enjoying the countryside, there are some things you can do to protect our beautiful surroundings and keep you safe.

Steps you can take to avoid starting a wildfire:

• Avoid having open fires or using barbecues in the countryside.
• Barbecues and campfires are banned in many country parks, campsites and open spaces. Make sure you check what is and isn’t allowed where you are, and follow the rules.
• Extinguish smoking materials properly, and don’t throw cigarette ends on the ground or out of car windows – take your litter home.

If you see a fire in the countryside, report it immediately to the Fire & Rescue Service. Early detection can prevent it from developing into a large wildfire incident.

There is more information about reporting fires and the devastating effects of wildfires at Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service | Heath fires and countryside safety

While many people enjoy spending time outdoors during warm weather, it's important to take extra care during periods of extreme heat. Looking after yourself and checking on others can help prevent serious illness and save lives.