Keep your cool in heatwaves in Ealing

Warmer summer temperatures are often a welcome part of the summer months – but heatwaves can be dangerous for the very young and very old, or those with chronic health issues. So help out your community through heatwaves in Ealing.

Tragically, there are around 2,000 heat related deaths every year across the UK. It is important to stay safe during the heat and check on anyone who may be vulnerable during hot weather.

Climate Change making heatwaves more likely

It is well-established that climate change is making heatwaves stronger and more likely.

As humans burn coal, oil and gas and cut down forests, carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases are released into the atmosphere. These gases act like a blanket, warming the Earth.

So far humans have caused the planet to heat up by 1.36C above levels of the late 1800s, leading scientists reported earlier this month. That might not sound a lot. But even a small increase in the Earth’s average temperature can shift heat extremes to much higher levels.

For further information see BBC article How unusual is this UK heat and is climate change to blame? See below for tips on what we can do to reduce climate change.

Coping in a heatwave

Risks in hot weather include dehydration, overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people who already have problems with their heart or breathing, and heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Those with serious or long term illness – including heart or lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease or some mental health conditions all need to take extra care. As well as those who may find it hard to keep cool – including babies, the bed bound, those with drug or alcohol addictions or with Alzheimer’s disease.

People who spend a lot of time outside or in hot places – those who live in a top floor flat, the homeless or those whose jobs are outside are also at a higher risk.

Tips for coping with hot weather

There are plenty of tips to reduce the chances of heat related health problems, see NHS how to cope in hot weather. For some more tips:

Keeping cool inside:

• Shade or cover windows, if possible. Just hanging a bed sheet over the window can help.
• Open windows (when it is safe to do so) when the air feels cooler outside, for example at night, and try to get air flowing through the home.
• Use electric fans if the air temperature is below 35°C, but do not aim the fan directly at your body as this can lead to dehydration.
• Check that your heating is turned off.
• Turn off lights and electrical equipment that are not in use, to reduce heat generated in the home. Also consider cooking at cooler times of the day.
• Move to a cooler part of the house, especially for sleeping if possible.
• Check if it is cooler outside. Find some shade or in a public building (such as places of worship, local libraries, or supermarkets). Check out local cool spaces. Going to one of these locations could be a way of cooling down, if you are able to safely travel there without putting yourself at more risk from the heat.

Keeping cool outside:

• Take water with you if you are travelling.
• Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
• Apply sunscreen regularly and wear a wide brimmed hat. 
• Walk in the shade and use cool spaces to cool down.
• Keep out of the sun if you can between 11am to 3pm
• Avoid exercising in the hottest parts of the day
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
• If you are going into open water to cool down, take care and follow local safety advice.

Remember when heatwaves in Ealing happen to look out for those in your community who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. For example, older people, those with underlying health conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk in hot weather.

Cool spaces

Cool spaces are indoor spaces for Londoners to shelter from the sun, cool down, rest and take respite on hot days. They may help reduce health risks from hot weather.

However, they are not designed to support vulnerable individuals on hot days, or a medical care substitute if someone is unwell from overheating. In these cases seek medical advice. Search the cool spaces map to find a cool space.

Do you have a cool space?

If you have an indoor public space that is usually cooler than the outdoor temperature? Registering your location as a cool space that can be used by the community during heatwaves in Ealing. Find out more and register at cool spaces.

Cool spaces criteria: 

• Lower temperature than outdoors
• Free seating space for rest and recovery
• Free drinking water (e.g., tap, water fountain, water cooler)
• Open to all at least 10:00-17:00, at least 2 days a week
• Free of charge 
• Staffed
• Accessible to wheelchair users or clearly states if not accessible to wheelchair users

To check your space against the criteria, please visit the GLA website: https://www.london.gov.uk/programmes-strategies/environment-and-climate-change/climate-change/climate-adaptation/cool-spaces 

Or contact cityresilience@london.gov.uk with any questions. 

What can we do to reduce climate change?

Climate change is making heatwaves stronger and more likely. Here’s some actions you can take to reduce climate change:

• Do the ActForEaling’s 10 Steps for a Greener Ealing
• Support Friends of the Earth by asking the UK government to take decisive climate action
• Ask your MP to sign the Climate and Ecology Bill otherwise know as CEE bill with Zero Hour to sign up your MP.
• Contact ActforEaling Partners on how you can take action for the climate.