Heatwave Alert

High temperatures both outdoors and indoors may harm children’s health. In the event of a heatwave alert, local authorities will be alerted by the Met Office, and the alert will be more widely publicised. The advice given here.  focuses specifically on children and is provided for teachers and others looking after children.

Stay out of the heat: 
• 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 
• avoid extreme physical exertion 
• wear light, loose-fitting cotton clothes 
  
Cool yourself down: 
• have plenty of cold drinks, and avoid excess alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks 

• Find Refill London - https://refill.org.uk/refill-london/ 
• eat cold foods, particularly salads and fruit with a high water content 
• take a cool shower, bath or body wash 
• sprinkle water over the skin or clothing, or keep a damp cloth on the back of your neck Keep your environment cool: 
• keeping your living space cool is especially important for infants, the elderly or those with chronic health conditions or who can’t look after themselves 
• place a thermometer in your main living room and bedroom to keep a check on the temperature 
• keep windows that are exposed to the sun closed during the day, and open windows at night when the temperature has dropped 
• close curtains that receive morning or afternoon sun, however, care should be taken with metal blinds and dark curtains, as these can absorb heat – consider replacing or putting reflective material in-between them and the window space 
• turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment – they generate heat 
• keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house as evaporation helps cool the air 
• if possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping 
• electric fans may provide some relief, if temperatures are below 35°