With the temperature set to soar, residents are being reminded to take extra care during periods of hot weather and heatwaves.
While everybody is at risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke when temperatures rise, some people are more vulnerable than others. This includes:
- Elderly people
- Infants and young children
- People with chronic medical conditions, such as heart problems and respiratory difficulties
- People with mobility problems
Residents are encouraged to look out for family members, neighbours and friends who may be more at risk, especially if they live alone.
Councillor Mariam Lolavar, Cabinet Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Borough of Sanctuary said:
“Whether it’s making use of our splash parks, or taking a walk along the Thames Path - hot weather can bring out the best in our borough with busy parks and opportunities to get together. Hotter and longer days can also bring real health risks, so I’d encourage everyone to look out for one another and take a few simple steps to stay safe, hydrated and well during the hotter days ahead.”
There are some simple steps everyone can take to stay safe during hot weather, including:
- Drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding excess alcohol
- Staying out of the sun during the hottest part of the day (11am to 3pm)
- Wearing light, loose-fitting clothing and sunscreen if outdoors
- Keeping your home cool by closing curtains in rooms that face the sun
- Avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest hours
- Checking on vulnerable neighbours, friends and relatives
Find out more about how to cope in hot weather on the NHS website.
You can also read GOV.UK’s latest official guidance on staying safe in hot weather.
Find a cool space near you
If you're out and need to seek shelter from the heat - or are concerned about a rough sleeper - we have 6 cool spaces available.
- The Woolwich Centre Library (35 Wellington Street, SE18 6HQ)
- The Eltham Centre Library (Archery Road, SE9 1HA)
- Woolwich Service Users Project (WSUP) Day Centre (107 Brookhill Road, SE18 6BJ)
- Greenwich Homeless Project Day Centre (360 Middle Park Avenue, SE9 5QH)
- 999 Club Day Centre (21 Deptford Broadway, SE8 4PA)
- Plumstead Library (232 Plumstead High Street, SE18 1JL)
Residents can use the Mayor of London’s cool spaces map to find their local cool space and plan journeys during periods of extreme heat.
How to keep your child safe in warm weather
Warmer weather can make it trickier to follow safer sleep advice, which reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Use this quick guide from the Lullaby Trust to help you enjoy the warmer weather with your baby.
You can also read these tips from the NHS website on keeping your child happy and healthy in the heat.
Enjoy our parks safely in the sun
Heading to one of our award-winning parks this summer? Take care to prevent fire hazards and make them safe and enjoyable spaces for everyone:
- BBQs are not permitted – pack a picnic instead
- Put litter in the bin or take it home
- Dispose of cigarettes carefully
- Pick up after your pooches and walk them at cooler times of the day
- Don’t forget plenty of water and sunscreen