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Extreme weather advice

We've put together lots of advice, tips and other useful information to help keep you safe during extreme weather.

Cold weather

Cold weather can sometimes make some health problems worse and even lead to serious complications, especially if you're over 65 or have a long-term health condition. Take a look at the links below for information on how to stay well.

Remember to check on elderly friends, relatives and neighbours to ensure they're OK and have everything they need.

If you need to leave your home...

  • Dress in layers of lightweight clothing which keep you warmer than a single layer of heavy clothes
  • Wear a suitable warm coat, gloves and hat
  • Remove layers as necessary to prevent overheating and perspiring, as this can lead to chills
  • Wear shoes or boots with a good grip to prevent slips and falls on wet or icy surfaces
  • Slow down when walking across slippery surfaces and be especially careful on stairways
  • Make sure you eat well and have regular hot food and drinks. Don't skip breakfast - it provides you with the fuel to start your day
  • Cold weather can put extra strain on your body, even if you aren't overexerting yourself. Be sure to pace yourself.

Keeping your home warm

Damp, mould and condensation

Please make sure you tell us as soon as possible if you're concerned about damp, mould or condensation in your home. You’ll need to provide us with some details and then we’ll get back to you with some next steps. You can complete our online form or alternatively we can take you through the questions over the phone - call 01494 476100. It’s important that we gather all the right information to make sure we can tackle the problem quickly, so please allow 10 minutes or so to complete the form.

Report an issue

Have you spotted snow or ice on Red Kite land that needs our attention? Please complete our Communal Spaces Report form and our team will be in touch.

Note: If you're not sure whether the land belongs to us or the council, get in touch with us and we'll let you know.

Hot weather

Staying safe

Although our bodies benefit from sunlight, too much exposure to the sun's rays can damage the skin and cause burning. Our bodies can become overheated during hot weather, which can lead to health problems, so we all need to ensure that we properly protect ourselves during these conditions.

Be prepared for hot weather

Don't be caught out by heatwaves - this is especially important if you are at higher risk of becoming seriously unwell. To prepare, you can:

  • listen to the news and check your local weather forecast from the BBC or the Met Office so that you know when hot weather is expected

  • when hot weather is expected, plan your activities for early morning or the evening, when it is usually cooler

  • look out for advice on what to do if services such as power, water supplies and transport are likely to be affected

  • check air pollution forecasts and advice, as air pollution can become worse during hot weather and can cause problems for people with asthma and other breathing problems.

When you go outside:

  • Wear lightweight or loose-fitting clothes

  • Wear a hat to protect your head and neck from burning

  • Stay in the shade when possible

  • Use a high factor sunscreen - at least SPF30 - on any exposed skin

  • Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.

When you're indoors:

  • Consider opening windows - although sometimes it may be better to keep the windows closed, draw the curtains or blinds to block out heat, and use a fan

  • Consider swapping to cotton sheets and removing heavy duvets - use a thin cotton sheet as a light cover instead

  • Run your wrists under cold water for a few seconds each hour. This can help cool your whole body - and a damp flannel on your forehead or the back of your neck can provide instant relief from the heat

  • Avoid heavy meals, as they can make your body work harder and generate more heat. Choose something lighter like salads or fruit

  • Try not to sit in direct sunlight, especially behind glass

  • Ventilate your home as much as possible - open windows on opposite sides of your home for a few hours in the early morning or late evening when it's cooler to create a refreshing breeze

  • Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly

  • Take a cool shower or bath to help lower your body temperature.

Get in touch

If you need help and support, you can also get in touch with us. We'd be more than happy to help, or to put you in touch with someone who can.

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