We all like to enjoy the sun and hot weather, but it’s really important that you and your family stay safe as well.
Stay protected
- Wear sunglasses
- Cover up exposed skin
- Wear a sun hat
- Wear SPF 30 or higher sun cream with a minimum 4 star UVA protection rating
- Take regular breaks from direct sunlight and heat
Stay sensible
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoid excess alcohol and caffeine
- Make sure flames and BBQs are not lit or discarded near dry, flammable material or foliage
- Make sure food is cooked properly, particularly food cooked on a BBQ
- Avoiding swimming in lakes, rivers and reservoirs
- Never leave children or pets alone in vehicle
Stay aware
- Take note of the latest weather forecast before heading out (the sun is usually at its strongest between 11am and 3pm)
- Check on the wellbeing of vulnerable family members and neighbours
- Know when to re-apply sun cream
- Know how to treat sunburn
- Know how to spot the signs of heat exhaustion and dehydration
A chance to help out in the community
Please be aware that there may be vulnerable people in your community who may not have anyone to help them, this is a great opportunity to check on them to make sure that they are looking after themselves during the hot weather.
Cold water kills
We want everyone to enjoy outdoor spaces and reservoirs. But please act safely and responsibly. Please visit Yorkshire Water for further information.
Don’t be a silly sausage
We all love a BBQ, but we should be aware of the risks they pose. Check out this article by the West Yorkshire Fire Service on safety tips and a sobering report on the dangers BBQs can pose when not used correctly.
No safe or healthy way to get a tan
Also, don’t forget that sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn doesn’t just happen on holiday – you can burn in the UK, even when it’s cloudy. There’s no safe or healthy way to get a tan. A tan doesn’t protect your skin from the sun’s harmful effects. Make sure that you spend time in the shade when the sun is strongest.
Summer crime, are you at risk?
Burglaries often increase during the summer months, when burglars take advantage of doors and windows being left open. West Yorkshire Police have put together a fantastic online resource explaining how you might be at risk.
A final reminder about our public spaces
Please remember a Public Space Protection order is still in place across all Kirklees and National Trust owned land which bans fires, fireworks, sky lanterns and BBQs in council and national trust owned parks and open spaces, including Castle Hill.
Want to find out more?
For even more tips, including sun safety, barbecue food safety, preventing hay fever and insect bites, visit NHS Choices.