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It’s forecast to get really hot over the coming days and whether you enjoy the sunshine or not, for some people – especially older people and those with underlying health conditions – the summer heat can bring real health risks.
 That’s why we’re urging you, if you can, to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer. Ask your friends, family or neighbours if they need any support.
The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:
- Look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated. Older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk.
- Close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors.
- Drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol.
- Try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest.
- If you have to go outside in the heat, walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day.
- Make sure you take water with you if you are travelling.
As temperatures are set to soar this weekend, we’re backing Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service’s campaign to help us and our countryside safe.
 Moorland, countryside and wildfire
Over the last week Derbyshire firefighters have attended 66 fires in the open, an increase of 135% on the average number of fires in the open per week, between April and September in the last three years.
To help us protect our moorlands, countryside, and open spaces for everyone to enjoy:
- avoid having campfires and barbecues in parks and countryside
- make sure cigarettes are put out properly
- take litter home and don’t leave glass bottles lying around
- if you discover a fire call 999.
Garden fires
Got garden cuttings and clippings or DIY rubbish to get rid of? Having a garden fire might seem like a quick fix but in dry conditions fire can jump from dry grass and quickly spread to fences, sheds, garages, trees, and your home.
Check our recycling centres to see if we accept your waste or you can hire a skip.
Water safety
Last year Derbyshire firefighters attended 34 water rescue incidents and tragically seven of these were fatal.
Open water can hide dangers such as debris and rocks. Reeds can quickly lead to entrapment. The cold temperature of the water can also lead to Cold Water Shock – causing cramp and difficulty breathing – this can lead to drowning in even the strongest swimmer.
Know the dangers and keep out of open water. If you do find yourself in difficulty, ensure you know how to #FloatToLive.
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If you have children aged five to 16, you can now book onto free summer holiday activities that we're funding. And eligible households have now received a £50 voucher for food.
 Holiday activities
Check out the ‘It’s About Me’ website to book free summer experiences for children in Derbyshire.
Sessions are provided by local organisations and groups and are free for families who claim benefit-related free school meals, with healthy food provided at every activity.
Activities and learning opportunities include sport and leisure, outdoor and wildlife, health and wellbeing, reading, fun with food and healthy eating, music and history. The It’s About Me website also features podcasts, webinars and information about staying safe and sustainable travel. There are sessions available across Derbyshire for children aged five to 16-years-old.
Families can find out if they’re eligible for free activities or how much they cost by contacting the activity provider. There’s contact info for each activity on the website.
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Food support voucher
Eligible households have now been sent a one-off food voucher worth £50. Distribution started on Friday 8 July and was completed on 12 July. If you think you're eligible for a voucher but haven’t received one you can send an enquiry directly to the team.
Are you familiar with the Trans Pennine Trail? If you are, or if you're new to it, we'd like to get your thoughts.
The 215-mile Trans Pennine Trail (TPT) crosses the whole country connecting the North Sea and the Irish Sea.
It also has a north-south spur connecting Leeds and Chesterfield with 17 miles of trail within Derbyshire.
Whether you're a walker, cyclist, horse rider or wheelchair-user, the TPT National Office would love to get your feedback about it to help improve the trail.
The survey closes on Friday 2 September.
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If you're a user of the TransPeak bus service from Derby to Matlock and Buxton you'll be very pleased to hear that we're subsidising the route for six months.
Bus usage is still down on pre-pandemic levels and it's hoped the the TransPeak route, given some extra time, will recover and people will use it more.
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