Staying safe this summer – our top tips

 

It can be easy to forget about safety when you’re caught up in the swing of the summer holidays! It’s always good to know what to be on the lookout for, and what to do in an emergency. From staying cool in a heatwave to BBQ safety, we’ve got all the top tips you need to keep yourself and your family safe this summer.

 

Form an orderly barbe-queue

A summer BBQ is the perfect way to gather friends and family and cook some delicious grub in the English sun - if you’re lucky with the weather that is! BBQ’s can be dangerous, so be sure to remember:

 

• Never use a BBQ indoors or on a balcony
• Place your BBQ on level ground, away from anything flammable
• Use firelighters instead of petrol or any other flammable liquids
• Supervise children and be aware of pets or wildlife nearby
• Have a bucket of water or sand nearby in case of emergency

 

Read more on the London Fire Brigade website.

 

Sun, sea and safety

Beaches can be great fun for all the family, but the sea can be unpredictable. On average, 312 people across the UK and Ireland lose their lives to accidental drowning every year, so knowing your water safety is a priority. Before you head off to the coast, brush up on your beach safety to ensure everyone can enjoy their summer while minimising the risks.

 

• Choose a beach with a lifeguard
• Only swim between the red and yellow flags – if you see a solid red flag, the water is dangerous
• If you find yourself struggling in the water, lean back and float until you can control your breathing and swim to safety or call for help
• In an emergency, call 999 or 112 and ask for the coastguard

 

Find more water safety information here.

 

Beat the heat

With heatwaves becoming more frequent in the UK, it’s important to know how to handle the heat. Extreme heat can be deadly, but there’s plenty you can do to protect yourself:

 

• Wear sun-cream, a hat, and take breaks inside or in the shade
• Take cool showers or use a cooling spray
• Drink plenty of water and reduce your caffeine intake
• Keep your home cool by closing windows and blinds
• Limit physical activity to cooler times of the day

 

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are common during heatwaves. Learn first aid advice for someone with heatstroke or heat exhaustion with The Red Cross’ online resources.

 

Hay-fever havoc

Hay fever symptoms can really spoil a summer’s day. A runny or stuffy nose and itchy watery eyes are the last things you want to be dealing with when you’re trying to have fun in the sun. These helpful tips can make high pollen days that bit easier:

 

• Keep windows closed, especially in the mornings
• Avoid drying clothes outside
• Wipe pets down with a damp cloth to remove pollen
• Shower, wash your hair and change your clothes when you get home
• Try using an anti-allergy balm for the inside of your nose, and eyedrops to rehydrate your eyes

 

Have fun and stay safe this summer!