Keeping cool in summer
Hot weather or a heatwave, when temperatures stay abnormally high for a few days can affect anyone but some people are more at risk of health problems.
The main risks are dehydration from not drinking enough non-alcoholic liquid, overheating and heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
If you suspect someone has heat exhaustion they need to be cooled down. If they can’t cool down within 30 minutes they may have heatstroke which must be treated as an emergency. The NHS guide to heat exhaustion and heatstroke can help you take the right action.
If hot weather is forecast please be aware of the risks to protect yourself and others and be a good neighbour by looking out for people in the community who might struggle to cope.
Who is most at risk from a heatwave?
- Older people, especially those over 75 and those who live alone
- Babies and young children
- People with long-term health issues such as heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, mobility issues, Alzheimers or some mental health conditions
- People who have drug or alcohol issues
- People who work outside or who are homeless
Keep yourself cool
Here are some simple tips to help you keep your cool:
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
- Wear light-coloured, loose-fitting cotton clothing
- Wear UV sunglasses, preferably wraparound, to reduce UV exposure to the eyes
- If you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat
- Take water with you if you go out
- Avoid physical exertion or strenuous exercise
- Drink plenty of cold drinks but avoid alcohol as it can dehydrate you
- Sprinkle water over yourself and your clothes
- Take cool baths or showers
- If you have a health problem, keep medicines below 25°C or in the refrigerator
- Don’t use open water such as canals, reservoirs, rivers or Salford Quays to cool down. Open water is cold all year round and cold water shock can kill. There may also be currents or hidden hazards.
Keep others safe
- Older neighbours may struggle to get out to the shops in hot weather. Check if they are okay and if they need any help.
- Never leave anyone inside a parked vehicle on a warm day, especially infants, young children or animals. Even if it’s parked in the shade or you leave windows open the temperature inside can rise rapidly. Children and animals can become seriously ill and even die from heatstroke.
- The RSPCA has advice on what to do if you see a dog in a car on a hot day and advice on caring for your dog during a heatwave.
- Battersea Cats and Dogs Home has tips for cat owners.
- If you’re thinking of taking your dog for a walk put your hand or bare foot on the pavement outside first. If it’s too hot for you, it will burn their paws if they walk on it.
- Help local wildlife by making sure they have clean drinking and bathing water.
- If you are concerned about someone’s health call the NHS 111 non-emergency phone number 24 hours a day seven days a week for advice. In emergency always dial 999.
Sleeping rough
If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough please contact our housing team.
- Call 0161 607 1620 Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm
- Text: 0777 359 1050 Monday to Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm
- Email: roughsleeperTeam@salford.gov.uk
- Outside office hours contact the out of hours team on 0161 794 8888
- Or use the online contact form
- You can also register with the Streetlink website which allows you to report someone sleeping rough
Keep your home cool
It may be cooler outside in the shade than inside your home or you may be able to find a café or building with air conditioning.
- Close curtains or blinds on rooms that face the sun
- Open windows to get cooler air flowing through the house. Make sure you don’t leave open doors unattended and always lock windows and doors securely if you go out. Don’t risk a burglary.
- Turn off lights and electrical equipment that is not in use as it may generate heat.
Further information