Wokingham Borough Connect
 Amber extreme heat warning until Sunday
The latest Met Office weather warning says temperatures could reach 32°C this weekend.
An amber warning is in place until Sunday, meaning extreme heat could impact those who are more vulnerable, such as children and the elderly.
Travel could be delayed, daily routines may need to change and risk of water safety incidents increases.
Keep up with the latest weather warnings using the Met Office website. This update will cover all the latest advice and information for Wokingham borough.
 Fires at local country parks
Two fires have happened at our country parks in the last few days. These have been attended by the local fire service.
If you spot any fires when you’re out and about in the borough, always call 999 to report it and do not try to extinguish it yourself.
We’ve put extra signs are up warning people not to start fires and to take extra precautions when visiting.
Hot, dry weather makes the ground more susceptible to wildfires, so take extra caution during this period.
Don’t light open fires in the countryside, don’t dispose of cigarettes on the ground and don’t leave glass in direct sunlight.
Bonfires
Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue is clear in its advice - do not have bonfires at this time.
The risk of wildfires in Berkshire is currently very high and bonfires could easily grow out of control.
 Multiple deaths locally - water safety advice
There have sadly been multiple deaths of young people in Berkshire who have drowned in recent weeks.
If you know any young people, pass on the following advice:
- Cold water kills - jumping in can give you cold water shock
- Don't be tempted to jump into lakes, rivers or canals
- If you fall in or enter follow these steps - fight the urge to thrash around, lean back and extend your arms and legs, move them around to help you float, keep floating until you can control your breathing, swim to safety or call for help
The RNLI has safety advice on floating to live.
 Latest on hosepipe bans
There has not been a hosepipe ban imposed on our area at this time. However, Thames Water is set to impose one in the coming weeks, with no set date confirmed.
Keep an eye on the Thames Water and South East Water websites, who provide water to the area.
If a ban is put in place, these websites will be the best place to get updates directly from the companies:
- Drink lots of water and reduce tea, coffee and especially alcohol consumption
- Wear light-coloured, lightweight, cotton, loose-fitting clothing
- Remember to eat properly
- Avoid extreme exercise
- Close curtains in rooms that face the sun to keep them cool
- Consider fitting thermal blinds/curtains
- Dress appropriately and check the central heating is switched off
- Take cool baths/showers to cool down
- Open windows if it feels cooler outside, considering the safety of young children
- Check your medicines are stored at the correct temperature
- Apply sunscreen and wear a hat, while trying to stay in the shade
- Keep out of the midday sun (11am to 3pm)
- Avoid exercising during the hottest time of the day
- Keep safe if swimming in water, especially open water, rivers and ponds
- Never leave anyone – especially children, the elderly or animals – alone in a vehicle
- Public buildings, such as libraries and places of worship, may be cooler
Support for rough sleepers set to continue
We activated our Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for rough sleepers on Tuesday, which means we can find them a bed for the night.
This continues throughout the heatwave period.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get updates on the protocol.
If you see anyone sleeping rough after the protocol comes into place, or if you or someone you know could use this help, please call us on (0118) 974 6000 and for out of hours, please visit our Homelessness pages.
Keeping children safe
Children and babies are more vulnerable to the heat as they cannot control their body temperature as easily because they do not sweat as much.
- Stay in shade if they are playing outdoors and drink plenty of water
- Wear loose, light-coloured clothing and sunhats, as well as sun cream (at least factor 15 with UVA protection)
- Avoid physical activity during peak times and make sure they know the dangers of swimming in open water
Looking after babies
- Keep them hydrated as babies and infants are vulnerable to dehydration
- Babies less than six months old should be kept out of direct sunlight. Older babies should be kept out of the sun as much as possible, especially during peak times
- Do not cover their buggy or pram with a blanket to shield the sun – attach a parasol or sunshade
- Use sun cream with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 – many brands have products specifically for babies and young children
More information about looking after your baby is available on the NHS website.
Useful links
The following are good sources of information and advice during a heatwave:
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