 Stay safe in the heatwave - severe weather update
Temperatures are set to soar in London and could reach as high as 30 degrees this week. While many people may enjoy the hot weather, high temperatures can lead to serious health consequences, especially for people in vulnerable groups.
There’s also an extra challenge of keeping cool indoors for those who are staying inside as much as possible during the coronavirus pandemic.
For information about how to stay safe in the heat, updates on our services and how to get support, please read on.
 How to stay well in a heatwave
We know there’s nothing like taking in some rays in the park when the weather is fine, but there can be health risks if you’re too hot for too long. The main risks are dehydration (not having enough water), overheating, which can make symptoms worse for people with breathing or heart problems, and heat exhaustion, heatstroke and sunburn.
The NHS advises that people should:
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Stay out of the heat between 11am and 3pm, when temperatures will be hottest.
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Cool yourself down by having plenty of cold drinks, wearing loose clothes or taking a cool shower or bath.
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Look out for others who may be more vulnerable in the hot weather. Please ensure you are doing this safely and following coronavirus guidance, including maintaining a safe distance. If someone is unwell, call a doctor as they could be suffering from heatstroke.
For more information on how to stay well and help others during the heatwave, visit the NHS website.
 Stay cool at home
Many people will be spending more time at home than usual this summer, whether that’s because you’re shielding, self-isolating, or working from home instead of an air-conditioned office.
Make sure that you keep your home cool during a heatwave as this will mean you’re more comfortable and can get a better night's sleep, as well as protecting your health if you have an existing health condition.
Keep rooms cool by using shades or reflective material outside your windows. If this isn’t possible, use light-coloured curtains and keep them closed. Metallic blinds and dark curtains can often make the room hotter.
You can also keep your home cool by only opening windows when the temperature is cooler outside than inside.
 Do not swim in the Shadwell Basin - it's not worth the risk
We remind residents that swimming in Shadwell Basin is strictly forbidden.
With temperatures rising, it might look tempting to take a dip during the hot weather, but it is extremely dangerous. The water is deep, cold and there are underwater obstructions not visible from the surface. Sadly, people have drowned in Shadwell Basin in recent years.
Our enforcement officers regularly patrol the area to help ensure people are doing the right thing, but we need visitors to do their bit by paying attention to the signs and staying out of the water. Anyone swimming in the basin will be in breach of our by-laws.
In some cases, visitors to Shadwell Basin have not followed guidelines on social distancing. This remains essential as part of efforts to tackle coronavirus and we ask everyone to please continue to follow guidelines to protect themselves and our most vulnerable residents.
Find out more about water safety.
 Have fun in the sun!
We know that most people will want to get out and enjoy the glorious sunshine this week. Our parks are there to be enjoyed but please use them responsibly and maintain social distancing.
Our parks provide the perfect environment for enjoying the sunny weather, with lots of shady trees to sit under during the hottest hours of the day (11am - 3pm).
Please remember that it is still prohibited to meet in large groups, and this remains vital in our efforts to stop the spread of coronavirus. If you’re visiting our parks or public spaces, help us keep it tidy for others by using the bins or taking your rubbish with you.
Make sure you stay hydrated by keeping water with you at all times and don’t forget to protect your skin by using sunscreen with a high SPF factor.
Thanks for reading and stay safe!
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