Heatwave advice

Stay out of the heat, cool yourself down, keep your environment cool or find somewhere else that is cool.

Look out for neighbours, family or friends who may be isolated and unable to care for themselves; make sure they are able to keep cool during a heatwave.

If you are worried about what to do, either for yourself or for someone you know, go to the NHS advice on what to do in a heatwave  or call them on 111.

For more information check:

• Met Office advice

Health advice

There are many things you can do to to help stay safe during this heatwave including:

• keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
• if you have to go out in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a hat and light scarf
• have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks
• keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped
• turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment, they generate heat

Look out for others

During this weather please:

• keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool
• ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not left alone in stationary cars
• check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day during a heatwave
• be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is unwell or further help is needed

Age UK have more advice for older adults staying safe in hot weather.

Water safety

Staying safe at the coast, rivers and lakes is even more important during warm weather.

The RNLI, with the support of HM Coastguard, is urging everyone to remember to Float to Live if they get into trouble in the water. To do this: lean back, using your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.

For further information on the water safety campaign visit RNLI.org/FloatUK2022 or go to their water safety webpage.

Fires

You should not use a barbeque or light a fire in the New Forest National Park. The New Forest Code explains why and the other ways to stay safe and respect the forest.

Hampshire Fire and Rescue also have fire safety tips to help stay safe in the countryside.

Water refill stations

We have water bottle refill stations at the following sites:

• Beaulieu public toilets, Palace Lane, SO42 7UX
• Brockenhurst public toilets, Brookley Road, SO42 7RA
• Burley public toilets, Chapel Lane, BH24 4AA
• Fordingbridge car park, The Bartons, Fordingbridge SP6 1AQ
• Hurst Road, Milford on Sea next to the Needles Eye Cafe
• Hythe Pier public toilets, Prospect Place, SO45 6AT
• Library Road public toilets, Totton, SO40 3AQ
• Lyndhurst public toilets, High Street, SO43 7NY
• Ringwood Gateway public toilets, The Furlong, Ringwood, BH24 1EY
• Sea Road public toilets, Sea Road, Milford on Sea, SO41 0DA

Dogs

There are some steps you can take to ensure your dog stays cool during the summer months.

Visit the Keeping Your Dog Safe in Summer page on the RSPCA website.