As temperatures hit higher than some popular holiday destinations across the world, local residents are being reminded how to look after themselves and their families during the hot weather.
Photo courtesy of Bath Tourism Plus / Colin Hawkins
Avon Fire & Rescue Service have also been reminding people about how to stay safe as the region continues to bask in scorching summer sunshine.
Yesterday the Met Office issued a Heat Health Watch Level 2 warning of a 60% risk of heatwave conditions in the South West for yesterday and today.
It means a risk of day time temperatures of 30 degrees, followed by night temperatures of 15 degrees and then another day of 30 degree highs.
This means an elevated risk of wildfires due to the dry and warm conditions.
They are taking this opportunity to once again remind people to stay safe during the sunshine, and also to take some simple safety steps to reduce the risk of inadvertently starting a fire.
The increased wildfire risk means there is more danger of fires starting as a result of cigarettes and disposable barbecues not being disposed of properly.
Some of the portable barbecues are being put into rubbish bins before they have cooled down, which then ignites other rubbish already in the bin.
Discarded cigarettes which have not been properly put out can easily start a grass or bush fire in the current dry conditions.
Avon Fire and Rescue Station Manager for Community Safety, John Rides, said: “We all love to get outdoors when the weather is warm but there are hazards lurking all around.
“The latest alert from the Met Office provides another opportunity for us to remind people of some important summer safety tips.
“The dry conditions also mean we have been dealing with grass and tree fires either caused accidentally or in some cases deliberately.
“Take advantage of the warm weather, but make sure you don’t endanger yours or anyone else’s lives.”
Safety advice for enjoying the outdoors:
• Don’t attempt to swim in rivers and lakes if you have been drinking alcohol. It can slow your reaction times and even the strongest swimmer will get into trouble.
• If you’re having a BBQ, keep a bucket of water, sand or garden hose nearby.
• Make sure you fully extinguish disposable BBQs before putting them in the bin.
• Fully extinguish your cigarettes and take any litter home with you when eating in public places.
Advice from the NHS includes:
- Try to plan your day in a way that allows you to stay out of the heat;
- If possible, avoid going out in the hottest part of the day (11am – 3pm);
- If you cannot avoid strenuous activity like sport, DIY, or gardening, keep it for the cooler parts of the day such as early morning;
- If you must go out, stay in the shade. Wear a hat and light loose fitting clothes, preferably cotton. If you will be outside for some time, take plenty of water with you.
