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Community groups can help in a heatwave

A heat health alert is triggered if the weather is forecast to be 30°C or above on successive days – with a night temperature 15°C or above. As higher temperatures become more frequent there are lots of organisations such as the NHS and Energy Saving Trust with of ways for individuals to manage the heat but local communities can help each other too.

Community groups and buildings can offer cool spaces

  • Could you open your community building/village hall as a cool space?  Shelter from the sun/heat and access to free drinking water and toilet facilities can help during very hot weather especially for outdoor workers.
  • Can you keep your building as cool as possible  The Energy Saving Trust provides great guidance on keeping buildings cool.
  • Can you make the most of your green space? If your community or building has a public garden, with shade from trees and plants, these can help cool the area and offer respite from the heat.

Stay informed

Other ways to help

  • Reach out to at-risk neighbours. They may need extra help with shopping or picking up medication.
  • Cool kits – Consider having ‘cool kits’ available for those in need, containing water bottles, thermometers, fans, blinds and cooling mats.
  • Share public health messages around keeping cool
  • Be aware of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Know the signs if someone’s feeling unwell and how to help. The NHS offers a useful guide.
  • Partner with others. Many local charities and community groups are already working with people who may need extra help. Finding out what local organisations are doing to support people during periods of hot weather, and see how everyone can work together to reduce isolation and stay healthy during a heatwave.

For more general advice, visit: Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather – GOV.UK.

Contact us - Climate and Biodiversity Team

climateaction@southandvale.gov.uk

South Oxfordshire District Council
Abbey House
Abbey Close
Abingdon
OX14 3JE

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